History was made in Cardiff this summer as the largest para event ever staged in Wales took centre stage at the Sport Wales National Centre in July.
The 2025 British & Irish Para Badminton International took place over five days and proved to be a resounding success, bringing together the world’s top para-badminton players, including Paralympic and World Championship medalists.
As an added incentive for all players, the Grade 2/Level 1 BWF Para Badminton World Circuit event carried significant weight on the path to qualification for the LA 2028 Paralympic Games. This meant for a strong international field with top-ranked athletes from across the global para-badminton circuit, including Japan’s Daiki Kajiwara (WH2) and Sarina Satomi (WH1), both of whom have dominated recent international events, as well as Hong Kong’s Chu Man Kai, a leading figure in the SH6 category.
As the lone Welshmen in the ParabadmintonGB team, Jack Wilson proved to be a crowd favourite on home soil, delivering a memorable performance in a defeat of India’s Hardik Makkar 21–18, 21–16 on Day 2.
However it would be England’s Dan Bethell grabbing the headlines as he continued his dominance in the men’s SL3 singles tournament with a fourth successive win in this competition. Bethell defended his title with a commanding 21–4, 21–7 victory completed in just 27 minutes against India’s Umesh Vikram Kumar.
Elsewhere, Bethell’s England teammates Rachel Choong and Jack Shephard were narrowly beaten in the SH6 mixed doubles final, losing to Indonesia in three tight games.
And in a thrilling women’s SL3 final, Paralympic bronze medalist Eniola Bolaji secured a 2–1 victory over world No. 1 and Paralympic champion Qonitah Syakuroh.
Wales, in particular, will be looking to make an impression on home soil. Local SU5 player Jack Wilson will be one to watch as he aims to inspire young para-athletes and raise awareness of disability sport throughout the region.
Although making its debut, the venue proved to be well-equipped for the demands of a major para-sport event, with accessible facilities throughout, including practice halls, physiotherapy rooms, and a welcoming spectator area. Attendees could enjoy meals at the on-site HWB cafe, while keeping up with the draw, schedule, and live updates via the Sportity app.
