Many of Badminton Australia’s Para Badminton athletes have recently participated in international events held in Thailand and Bahrain, showcasing their skills and gaining valuable experience in the sport. The competitions proved to be challenging, providing Badminton Australia’s athletes with excellent opportunities for growth and development.

The first leg of their journey took them to Southeast Asia for the Thailand Para Badminton International 2023. Noteworthy performances included Kenneth Adlawan, who partnered with Brazilian Joao Pedro Albuquerque Oliveira. They secured one victory and suffered two losses in the MD SL3 SL4 Group F category, finishing third. Qambar Ali Akhteyari, competing in the MS WH 2 category, achieved one win and two losses, ultimately securing third place in Group C. Akhteyari later paired up with India’s Nirmala Devi for the XD WH 1 WH 2 category, finishing fourth in Group B with three losses. In the MD WH 1 WH 2 category, Akhteyari and his Australian teammate Lochan Cowper finished in third place in Group F.

Cowper, alongside fellow Australian Janine Watson, participated in the XD WH 1 WH 2 category. Despite facing three losses, one of their matches extended to three games. In the MS WH 1 category, Cowper ended up in third place in Group E after experiencing two losses. Caitlin Dransfield competed in the WS SL 4 category, securing a win by walkover and suffering a loss. Although she progressed to the quarter-finals, she was ultimately defeated by Helle Sofie Sagoey from Norway.

Soon after their Thailand experience, the athletes swiftly headed to the Middle East for the Bahrain Para Badminton International 2023. Watson and Cowper reunited in the XD WH 1 WH 2 category and impressively reached the quarter-finals. However, despite their determined efforts, they were defeated by South Korea’s Choi Jungman and Lee Sun Ae, with a final score of 14-21, 6-21.

The athletes have now returned to Australia and will intensify their preparations for the upcoming VICTOR Oceania Para Badminton Championships 2023 in Perth, followed by the Western Australian Para Badminton International. These events will provide further opportunities for our athletes to excel and showcase their talent in the world of Para Badminton.

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Photo Courtesy Badminton Australia

Courtesy Badminton Australia