Lakshya Sen pens emotional tribute to ‘greatest ever’ Viktor Axelsen as two-time Olympic champion retires

Indian badminton star Lakshya Sen penned an emotional tribute to Viktor Axelsen after the two-time Olympic champion announced his retirement, calling him one of the “greatest to ever play the game.”

Sharing a heartfelt message on social media, Sen reflected on their journey, from training together in Dubai to facing off on badminton’s biggest stages, including the All England Open and the Olympic Games.

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“Badminton is blessed to have you and it will remember you as one of the greatest to ever play the game, but what truly sets you apart isn’t just the champion you are, it’s the person you are,” Sen wrote, alongside a photo from their semifinal clash at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The two last met in the Paris Olympics semifinal, where Axelsen secured a 22-20, 21-14 victory en route to defending his gold medal. The Dane dominated their head-to-head record, winning eight of their nine encounters, with Sen’s only victory coming at the German Open over three years ago.

“To go from training with you in Dubai to stepping onto one of the biggest stages… it’s been an incredible journey. Happy retirement! All the best for what’s ahead,” Sen added.

Viktor Axelsen calls time on legendary career

Viktor Axelsen, widely regarded as one of the most complete men’s singles players in badminton history, announced his retirement at the age of 32 due to a prolonged back injury.

A two-time Olympic gold medallist at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paris 2024, he also claimed a bronze at the Rio 2016 Olympics. His glittering resume includes world championship titles in 2017 and 2022, along with multiple European crowns.

Explaining his decision, Axelsen revealed that persistent pain and recurring setbacks following surgery made it impossible to continue competing at the highest level.

“My body is telling me to stop, and I have to follow the advice of my doctors,” he said, adding that the risk of further surgery played a key role in his decision.

Axelsen’s dominance extended beyond major titles. He spent over 100 consecutive weeks as world No. 1, won five season-ending titles at the BWF World Tour Finals, and amassed 10 Super 1000 titles, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

From becoming the first European to win the BWF World Junior Championships in 2010 to redefining consistency in the modern era, Axelsen’s career stands as a benchmark in global badminton.