In a press release sent earlier today, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) President Poul-Erik Høyer has expressed his delight on 14 medal events for Badminton at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
The BWF President is quoted as equally pleased that 90 para-badminton athletes will have the distinction of representing their respective countries in the para-sports spectacle which will mark another major milestone in badminton’s history.
Post the decision by the IPC, Høyer said: “I would like to thank the IPC for its cooperation with the BWF and for affording our athletes with impairments this golden opportunity to compete at the highest level. I know they are eagerly looking forward to it – and they are a step closer as of today.”
Further, he added, “Having 14 medal events, across which to showcase the diversity and excitement of para-badminton, will benefit both the sport and our athletes in the different disciplines. BWF is committed to producing an inspiring para-badminton debut that adds value to the Tokyo 2020 Sports Programme. Now we know the overall number of para-badminton athletes for Tokyo 2020 and the medal events, we will turn our attention to the qualification process for the badminton competition.”
As per the competition format, the Badminton Programme for Tokyo 2020 features singles, doubles and mixed-doubles with an emphasis on singles (10 medal events) to ensure a wider range of National Paralympic Committees can qualify athletes for badminton.
The 14 medal events offer opportunities for wheelchair players (6 medal events), standing players (7 medal events) and short stature players (1 medal event for men) to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
The qualification system for badminton for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games will be finalised from September to November 2017 and this will detail how players can qualify. The IPC will publish the Qualification Guide in January 2018.