Para badminton is a sport that has been gaining a lot of recognition and popularity in recent years. It is an adapted version of badminton, designed for athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual impairments. It is governed by the World Para Badminton (WPB) and is played in both singles and doubles formats. The sport has become increasingly popular, and the number of para badminton athletes is growing rapidly.
Para badminton is a great way to stay active, have fun, and compete against others who have similar impairments. It is a great way for athletes to challenge themselves and work on their skills. It is also a great way for people with physical, visual, and intellectual impairments to socialize and get involved with a sport.
Classification of Para Badminton Athletes
In order to ensure fairness and provide an equal playing field for all athletes, the World Para Badminton (WPB) has developed a system of classification for para badminton athletes. This classification system is based on the type and degree of the athlete’s impairments, and is designed to ensure that all athletes are competing on an equal playing field.
The classification system is divided into four main classifications: standing, wheelchair, visually impaired, and intellectual impaired. Each classification has its own set of rules and regulations, and athletes are assigned to the appropriate class based on their impairments.
Standing Class
The standing class is for athletes who have impairments that affect their mobility. This class is divided into three sub-classifications: SL3, SL4, and SL5. SL3 athletes have significant limitations in lower limb function, SL4 athletes have impairments that affect their ability to walk, and SL5 athletes have impairments that affect their ability to balance.
Wheelchair Class
The wheelchair class is for athletes who use a wheelchair for mobility. This class is divided into two sub-classifications: WH1 and WH2. WH1 athletes have impairments that affect their ability to walk and balance, while WH2 athletes have impairments that affect their ability to turn and maneuver their wheelchair.
Visually Impaired Class
The visually impaired class is for athletes who have impairments that affect their vision. This class is divided into two sub-classifications: B1 and B2. B1 athletes have a visual acuity of less than 6/60 in both eyes, with the best eye corrected to 6/60, while B2 athletes have a visual acuity of less than 6/60 in both eyes, with the worse eye corrected to 6/60.
Intellectual Impairment Class
The intellectual impairment class is for athletes who have impairments that affect their ability to make decisions and understand the game of para badminton. This class is divided into three sub-classifications: PI1, PI2, and PI3. PI1 athletes have mild intellectual disability, PI2 athletes have moderate intellectual disability, and PI3 athletes have severe intellectual disability.
Conclusion
Para badminton is a great way for athletes with physical, visual, and intellectual impairments to stay active, have fun, and compete against others who have similar impairments. The World Para Badminton (WPB) has developed a classification system for para badminton athletes, which is designed to ensure that all athletes are competing on an equal playing field. The classification system is divided into four main classifications: standing, wheelchair, visually impaired, and intellectual impaired. Each classification has its own set of rules and regulations, and athletes are assigned to the appropriate class based on their impairments.