Para-badminton is a variant of badminton for athletes with physical disabilities. This form of variant was recognised by the Para Badminton World Federation until 2011. Starting from 2011, the Para Badminton World Federation became a part of the Badminton World Federation.
Para-badminton was a part of the Paralympics for the first time in Tokyo 2020 and is included for the next two Paralympics. Para-badminton matches have the conventional scoring system where matches are of best-of-three sets. The first player to win 21 points with a difference of two points wins a set.
Players in para-badminton are classified based on their disabilities. The six classifications are detailed below.
WH 1
This category consists of players who have disabilities in both the legs and trunk. They thus require a wheelchair to play.
WH 2
This category has players who have disabilities in one limb with minimal impairment of trunk. However they still require a wheelchair to play.
SL 3
Players who have impairments in any one or both limbs with a lack of coordination in running and walking come under this category. They do not require a wheelchair to play.
SL 4
These players have characteristics similar to the ones in SL 3. However, they can walk and run better compared to players who are classified under SL 3.
SU 5
Players in this category are those who have impairments in one or both the upper limbs.
SS 6
The final category includes those players whose stature is short due to genetic anomalies. An example is players who are diagnosed with achondroplasia.
Apart from Paralympics, para-badminton has its own World Championships that is played in odd numbered years. In even numbered years, continental championships are held. ASEAN Para Games and Asian Para Games also feature para-badminton.
