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
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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.
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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
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SS6
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.