The Paralympic sport of para-badminton has seen a huge growth in participation in recent years, as more and more people are discovering the joys of this exciting sport. It has been adapted to become accessible to almost anyone, regardless of physical ability, and there are now several different levels of competition. So who can actually play para-badminton?
What is Para-Badminton?
Para-badminton is a form of badminton adapted to be played by athletes with disabilities. It is governed by the BWF Para-Badminton Regulations and is open to athletes with a wide range of disabilities, including physical, intellectual, visual, and hearing impairments. The sport is played on a court similar to a standard badminton court, with the same rules and regulations applied.
Who Can Play?
The great thing about para-badminton is that it is open to almost anyone, regardless of physical ability. There are six different classes of para-badminton, allowing different levels of ability to compete against one another. The classes are:
1. Standing: This class is for athletes who can move freely and independently, with no physical impairments.
2. Wheelchair: This class is for athletes who use a wheelchair or other mobility device to move around the court.
3. Standing Lower: This class is for athletes who have impairments in one or both legs, making it difficult to move and jump freely.
4. Short Stature: This class is for athletes who are short in stature, typically below 4’7″ (1.4m).
5. Impaired Muscle Power: This class is for athletes who have impairments in one or more muscle groups, making it difficult to move and jump freely.
6. Visual Impairment: This class is for athletes who are partially or completely blind.
Competition Levels
Para-badminton is divided into three different levels of competition:
1. National: This is the entry-level competition, and can be played at local clubs or in regional tournaments. It is open to any athlete of any class.
2. International: This is the next level of competition, and is open to athletes of all classes. It includes tournaments such as the BWF World Para-Badminton Championships.
3. Paralympic: This is the highest level of competition, and is only open to athletes of classes 1-4. It includes tournaments such as the Paralympic Games.
Final Thoughts
Para-badminton is a great sport that is open to almost anyone, regardless of physical ability. It is a fun and inclusive sport that can be enjoyed by all levels of ability, from the beginner to the elite athlete. So if you’re looking for a new sport to try, give para-badminton a go!