Para-badminton is a sport for athletes with physical disabilities. It is a modified version of the popular racket sport, badminton, that is adapted to be accessible to athletes with various disabilities. The sport is governed by the World Para-Badminton which is a sub-organization of the International Paralympic Committee. Para-badminton is a popular sport at the Paralympic Games and has been included in the program since Tokyo 2020.
History of Para-Badminton
Para-badminton was first created in the early 1990s by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). The sport was designed to make the game of badminton more accessible to athletes with disabilities. The BWF partnered with the International Paralympic Committee to develop the rules and regulations for the sport. The first para-badminton tournament was held in 1997 and the sport has grown in popularity since then.
Types of Disabilities
Para-badminton is open to athletes with a wide range of disabilities, including those with physical and visual impairments. Athletes with physical impairments may use wheelchairs or other assistive devices to play the game. Athletes with visual impairments can use an audible shuttlecock to help them track the movement of the shuttlecock.
Classification System
Para-badminton has a classification system that is used to group athletes according to their disability. This system ensures that athletes of similar abilities compete against each other. The classification system is based on an athlete’s functional ability, and includes Wheelchair 1, Wheelchair 2, Standing 1, Standing 2, and Visually Impaired.
Rules and Regulations
Para-badminton has its own set of rules and regulations that are designed to make the game accessible to athletes with disabilities. The court size is larger than that of a traditional badminton court, and the net is lower. The shuttlecock is also heavier than a regular shuttlecock, and the rackets are lighter.
In addition, para-badminton has a unique scoring system where points are awarded for different shots. For example, a drop shot is worth one point, a clear shot is worth two points, and a smash is worth three points.
Competitions
Para-badminton competitions are held all over the world. The sport is a popular event at the Paralympic Games, and has been included in the program since Tokyo 2020. It is also included in the World Para-Badminton Championships, which is held every two years.
Conclusion
Para-badminton is a modified version of badminton that is designed to be accessible to athletes with physical and visual impairments. The sport has its own set of rules and regulations and a classification system to group athletes according to their disability. Para-badminton is a popular event at the Paralympic Games and is growing in popularity around the world.