Para-badminton

David Toupé, one of para-badminton players from WH1 class.

Para-badminton is a variant of badminton for athletes with a range of physical disabilities. Badminton World Federation (BWF) is the main governing body for para-badminton starting from June 2011. The sport was governed by Para Badminton World Federation (PBWF) until a unanimous decision to join BWF during a meeting in Dortmund in June 2011.

Classification

Players are classified to six different classes determined by BWF:

Wheelchair

• WH1
  Players in this class are those who have impairment in both lower limbs and trunk function and require wheelchair to play
• WH2
  Players have impairment in one or both lower limbs and minimal or no impairment of the trunk and also require wheelchair

Standing

Bartłomiej Mróz, one of para-badminton players from SU5 class.

• SL3
  Players have impairment in one or both lower limbs and poor walking/running balance
• SL4
  Players have impairment in one or both lower limbs and minimal impairment in walking/running balance (better walking/running compared to SL3)
• SU5
  Players have impairment of the upper limbs.

Short stature

• SH6
  Players in this class have short stature caused by achondroplasia or other genetic conditions.

Competitions

BWF organizes 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 sports events like the Asian Para Games and ASEAN Para Games.

Para-badminton will also feature at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo.