Olympics: Axelsen retains badminton gold, matches Lin Dan

PARIS – Viktor Axelsen made history on Monday, becoming the first badminton player to successfully defend the men’s singles Olympic title since Lin Dan. The Danish star dominated world champion Kunlavut Vitidsarn of Thailand, winning 21-11, 21-11 in a commanding performance.

Competing in front of a passionate Danish crowd and in the presence of King Frederik X, Axelsen felt an extra surge of motivation. “This feeling right now means extra to me because my wife and our two daughters were in the stands,” he said. “I am so proud that I have performed in front of the king of Denmark. I’m just on the moon right now. Today I felt like the king of the court.”

While acknowledging Lin Dan as the greatest of all time, Axelsen expressed immense pride in matching the Chinese legend’s Olympic achievement.

Kunlavut’s silver medal marked a historic moment for Thailand, securing their first-ever Olympic medal in badminton. Despite the loss, the young Thai player showed promise and determination.

Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia claimed the bronze medal, defeating India’s Lakshya Sen in a hard-fought match.

China continued their dominance in badminton, topping the event’s medal table for the seventh consecutive Olympics.

(Source: AFP)