Helena Frye
Para-badminton is a variant of badminton for athletes with a range of physical disabilities. It has been contested internationally since the 1990s and made its Paralympic Games debut in Tokyo in 2020. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is the main governing body for para-badminton and promotes a one sport – one team philosophy. Athletes are classified into six sport classes to ensure fairness in competition, including two wheelchair classes and four standing classes. The height of the net is the same for all classes, and competition wheelchairs incorporate modifications such as a low backrest and extra caster wheels to aid players.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Governing Body | Badminton World Federation (BWF) |
| Sport Classes | 6 |
| Wheelchair Classes | 2 (WH1, WH2) |
| Standing Classes | 4 (SL3, SL4, SU5, SH6) |
| Net Height | 1.55m |
| Shuttlecock | Cork covered in goat skin with 16 goose feathers or synthetic materials |
| Shuttlecock Speed | 300km/h |
| Wheelchair Modifications | Low backrest, extra caster wheels at the rear |
| Competition Frequency | Bi-annual World Championships, continental championships in alternate years |
| Inclusion in Paralympics | Debuted in 2020 Tokyo Paralympics |
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What You'll Learn
Para-badminton players compete in the Paralympic Games
Para-badminton is a variant of badminton for athletes with a range of physical disabilities. It is governed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), which is a member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). The IPC recognises the BWF as the world governing body for para-badminton.
Para-badminton was included in the Paralympic sports programme for the first time at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. The sport has been played internationally since the 1990s, with the first World Championships held in Amersfoort, Netherlands, in 1998. The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games saw 90 athletes from 28 National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) compete in 14 medal events.
Para-badminton players are classified into six "Sport Classes" to ensure fairness in competition. These classes include four standing and two wheelchair classes, depending on the athletes' degree of impairment. The wheelchair classes are WH1 and WH2, with athletes in these classes competing in wheelchairs that may be equipped with supporting wheels. The standing classes are SL3, SL4, SU5, and SH6. The height of the net is the same for all classes at 1.55m, the same as in Olympic badminton.
The rules and setup are largely similar between badminton and para-badminton. Players score points by hitting a shuttlecock over the net without a return. Matches follow a best-of-three format, with the first player or team to reach 21 points in two games winning the match. The court size can be adapted for certain categories, such as wheelchair singles matches, where half the regular court is used.
The sport will be included in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, with up to 120 athletes competing in 16 medal events. The Porte de la Chapelle Arena, a venue with a seating capacity of 6,700, will stage the para-badminton events.
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Para-badminton players are classified into six sport classes
The six classes are:
- Wheelchair 1 (WH1): Players in this class require a wheelchair to play badminton. They usually have severe impairment in both lower limbs and the trunk.
- Wheelchair 2 (WH2): WH2 athletes also need a wheelchair and have impairment in one or both lower limbs, with minimal or no impairment of the trunk.
- Standing Lower 3 (SL3): Athletes in this class must play standing. They usually have impairment in one or both lower limbs and poor walking/running balance.
- Standing Lower 4 (SL4): SL4 players also play standing and have a lesser impairment than those in SL3. They could have impairment in one or both lower limbs but with minimal impact on their walking/running balance.
- Standing Upper 5 (SU5): SU5 players must play standing and have impairment of the upper limbs. This impairment could be on the playing or non-playing hand.
- Short Stature 6 (SS6): Players in this class have a short stature due to a genetic condition often referred to as "dwarfism".
Para-badminton is a sport for everyone, welcoming men and women of any age with a physical impairment. The sport's classification system ensures that athletes with similar impairment levels compete against each other, promoting fairness and inclusivity.
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Competition wheelchairs are modified to aid players
Para-badminton is a sport that can be played by anyone with a physical impairment, attracting participants of all genders and ages. The sport is governed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and made its Paralympic debut in Tokyo in 2020.
Para-badminton players are classified into six different categories, or "sport classes", based on the type and severity of their disability. This grouping system ensures fairness in competition by allowing players to compete against others with similar levels of physical ability. Two of these categories are for wheelchair users: WH1 and WH2.
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The Badminton World Federation governs para-badminton
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is the international governing body of badminton. It was founded on July 5, 1934, as the International Badminton Federation and was renamed the Badminton World Federation in 2006. The BWF is recognised by the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) as the governing body for para-badminton.
Para-badminton is a variant of badminton for athletes with a range of physical disabilities. It has been contested internationally since the 1990s and was governed by the Para Badminton World Federation (PBWF) until 2011 when it became a part of the BWF. The BWF works to regulate, promote, and develop para-badminton globally, with a focus on increasing participation and integrating para-badminton into badminton structures at the world, continental, and national levels.
The BWF organises the bi-annual Para-badminton World Championships in odd-numbered years and continental championships in even-numbered years. Para-badminton also features in other multi-sport events, such as the Asian Para Games and ASEAN Para Games, and made its Paralympic Games debut in Tokyo in 2020. It will also be included in the Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
The BWF classifies para-badminton athletes into six "Sport Classes" to ensure fairness in competition, taking into account factors such as impairments in limbs, trunk function, and stature. The federation aims to provide athletes with the best environments for training and competition, showcasing their talent, and offering opportunities for growth beyond the field of play.
Through its activities, the BWF strives to engage and enhance its global fan base, increase participation in para-badminton, and foster strategic partnerships to achieve its goals and grow the sport sustainably.
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Para-badminton players have a range of physical disabilities
Para-badminton is a variant of badminton for athletes with a range of physical disabilities. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is the main governing body for para-badminton. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) recognises the BWF as the world governing body for the sport.
Para-badminton athletes are classified into six sport classes to ensure fairness in competition. Two of these classes are wheelchair classes, and four are standing classes. Athletes in the wheelchair classes use competition wheelchairs with modifications such as a low backrest to enable more shots and extra wheels to prevent overturning.
Players in the WH1 class have impairment in both lower limbs and trunk function and require a wheelchair to play. WH2 players have impairment in one or both lower limbs and minimal or no impairment of the trunk and also require a wheelchair. In the standing classes, SL3 and SL4 players have lower impairments, with SL3 being more severe than SL4. SU5 players have upper impairments, which could be on the playing or non-playing hand. Finally, SH6 players have short stature caused by achondroplasia or other genetic conditions, such as dwarfism.
Para-badminton is an inclusive sport that aims to provide opportunities for athletes with physical disabilities to compete at the highest level. The sport made its Paralympic Games debut in Tokyo in 2020 and will also be included in the Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
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Frequently asked questions
Para-badminton is a variant of badminton for athletes with a range of physical disabilities. It made its Paralympic Games debut in Tokyo in 2020 and will also be a part of the Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is the main governing body for para-badminton since June 2011.
There are six Sport Classes in Para Badminton:
- WH1: Players with impairment in both lower limbs and trunk function who use wheelchairs.
- WH2: Players with impairment in one or both lower limbs and minimal or no impairment of the trunk who use wheelchairs.
- SL3: Players with impairment in one or both lower limbs and poor walking/running balance who play standing.
- SL4: A standing class with lesser impairment compared to SL3.
- SU5: Players with impairment in the upper limbs, which could be the playing or non-playing hand.
- SH6: Players with short stature due to genetic conditions like achondroplasia.
