AI Generated Summary
- He has claimed a silver medal at the All-India Senior Ranking Tournament and added to his medal tally with a bronze at the Cameroon International Challenge.
- Confident in his son’s potential, the coach believes Lakshay is close to breaking into the top 100 world rankings—a milestone that would allow him to compete regularly in Super 300 tournaments sanctioned by the sport’s global governing body.
- From modest beginnings in Ludhiana to the global badminton circuit, his Olympic ambition is no longer just a dream—it is a goal steadily coming within reach.
At just 20 years of age, Lakshay Sharma is quietly scripting an inspiring sporting story from Ludhiana, one shuttle at a time. With an unwavering focus on the Olympic podium, the young badminton player has emerged as one of India’s most promising talents in men’s singles, carving a path defined by grit, discipline and self-belief.
Currently ranked 112 in the world and fourth nationally, Lakshay has already created history for his hometown by becoming the first shuttler from Ludhiana to break into the top tier of international rankings. His ascent has been rapid and remarkable. Not long ago, when he made his debut at the international level, Lakshay was placed beyond the 700 mark. His breakthrough came at the Syed Modi Super Series tournament in Lucknow, where he earned a direct entry into the main draw—an achievement reserved for players with strong global rankings.
Since then, Lakshay’s performances have consistently turned heads. He has claimed a silver medal at the All-India Senior Ranking Tournament and added to his medal tally with a bronze at the Cameroon International Challenge. Another silver followed at the APACS International Badminton Series in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. Alongside these podium finishes, he has also represented India at tournaments in the Czech Republic and Poland, gaining valuable exposure against seasoned international opponents.
Balancing academics and sport, Lakshay is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree from Chandigarh University. His training, meanwhile, remains deeply rooted in family support. He is coached by his father, Mangat Rai Sharma, a nationally certified badminton coach from the Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports. Together, they have navigated the demanding world of competitive badminton largely on their own, without institutional backing or long-term sponsorships—a fact that makes Lakshay’s rise all the more impressive.
Recognition for his hard work has begun to arrive. Lakshay has been selected under the Airport Authority of India’s Sports Contract Scheme, which will provide him with a monthly stipend of ₹30,000 for ten months. While the support is a welcome boost, the road ahead remains financially challenging.
“International tournaments involve significant travel and participation costs,” Mangat Rai Sharma said. “Sponsorship is essential if Lakshay is to continue chasing his Olympic dream.”
Confident in his son’s potential, the coach believes Lakshay is close to breaking into the top 100 world rankings—a milestone that would allow him to compete regularly in Super 300 tournaments sanctioned by the sport’s global governing body.
The immediate focus, however, is on competition. Lakshay is set to participate in two international events next month: the Azerbaijan International Challenge from February 3 to 8, followed by the Uganda International Challenge Series from February 18 to 22.
As Lakshay Sharma prepares for these crucial tournaments, his journey stands as a testament to determination and perseverance. From modest beginnings in Ludhiana to the global badminton circuit, his Olympic ambition is no longer just a dream—it is a goal steadily coming within reach.
