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China’s Outstanding Performance at the 2024 Paris Paralympics
On the penultimate day of the 2024 Paris Paralympics, Team China delivered an exceptional performance, securing four gold medals and positioning themselves for several more on Monday.
Men’s Doubles: Mai Jianpeng/Qu Mo successfully defended the title
Mai Jianpeng and Qu Zimo successfully defended their men’s doubles WH1-WH2 title, while their compatriots Liu Yutong and Yin Menglu turned the tables on their opponents, defeating Sarina Satomi and Yuma Yamazaki to win the women’s doubles WH1-WH2 championship.
The women’s singles finals for both WH2 and SH6 will feature all-Chinese matchups, guaranteeing two more gold medals for Team China. In addition to the four golds already secured, China is in contention for five more, surpassing their performance at the previous Paralympics.
Liu Yutong and Yin Menglu had lost to Satomi and Yamazaki in the final at the Tokyo Paralympics. This time, the Chinese duo dominated, relying on their superior fitness to win 21-17, 21-19.
“Our training was incredibly tough, and sometimes I would cry after practice, but now I feel it was all worth it,” said Yin Menglu.
“We lost to the Japanese team in Tokyo, but we weren’t mature enough then,” Liu explained. “We’ve been preparing for this moment for three years. After the loss in Tokyo, we kept motivating ourselves to win gold.”
Their compatriots Mai Jiadong and Qu Wenxiong were favorites to win the men’s doubles title, and they easily defended their crown. South Korea’s Jeong Jaegun and Yoo Suyoung couldn’t challenge them, losing 21-10, 21-12 in straight games.
“This was our second time in the final, so we were very confident,” said Qu Zimo. “We haven’t played against them much, so we had to be cautious in the first game. But as the match progressed, we gained the upper hand.”
Singles final: Liu Yutong and Qumo compete for the second gold medal
Liu Yutong and Qu Zimo are also favorites to win their second individual gold medals. Liu will face Li Hongyan in the WH2 final, while Qu will battle Choi Jungman in the WH1 gold medal match.
China’s fourth gold will come in the SH6 women’s singles, where Lin Shuangbao and Li Fengmei will face each other for the title.
The penultimate day of the para-badminton competition had a festive atmosphere, with French spectators turning out in force to support Charles Nox. With their encouragement, Nox advanced to the men’s singles SH6 final.
Nox won an exciting semifinal against Vitor Tavares and will face Krysten Coombs for the gold medal.
“There are no words; it feels like a dream,” Nox said. “Today’s match was very tough because Vitor is so strong. But today I wanted to make myself proud, and make my parents proud. I have their picture on my watch, and that helped me fight until the very last second.”
September 5, 2024
Nitesh Courageously Denies Bethell the Gold
Daniel Bethell endured a heartbreaking loss in his fourth major final, coming up just short with a silver medal after facing an opponent he had never defeated in nine prior encounters. The pain was even greater knowing he missed a match point that could have secured the title.
In the 80-minute Men’s Singles Standing Lower (SL3) final, Bethell staged a remarkable comeback, climbing from 12-17 down to take a 20-19 lead. With the gold medal in sight, he seemed poised to finally claim victory after finishing as the runner-up in the previous Paralympics and two World Championships.
However, Nitesh Kumar, his opponent, anticipated his moves and capitalized on Bethell’s desperation in the final moments. A quick error on match point sealed Bethell’s fate.
Discipline proved to be the decisive factor. As the match neared its climax, Nitesh heard Bethell’s coach urging his player to stay disciplined — advice that Nitesh took to heart as well.
“I knew Daniel wanted to close it out quickly because he had been trailing most of the match,” Nitesh recalled. “I realized this was his moment to try and finish the game, but I waited for him to rush and make a mistake, which he did.”
“When the third game ended, I was a little confused, but I had heard the (British) coach tell Daniel to be disciplined, and I reminded myself that I needed to be even more disciplined. It paid off.”
“I still can’t believe it,” Nitesh continued. “It happened so fast. The score was neck-and-neck, 20-all, 21-all, and then, suddenly, two quick points, and I was the Paralympic champion. The feeling is indescribable, especially seeing the crowd, my coach, and all the people who came from India. It was an incredible moment.”
Bethell, who had battled back from a loss in the first game and deficits in both the second and third games, was left feeling devastated.
“I feel terrible right now. I came here for the gold, but I’m walking away with silver again, just like in Tokyo. My goal was to do better this time, but I didn’t manage it.”
“It’s all about making fewer mistakes,” Bethell explained. “SL3 is like a marathon in para-badminton, and you don’t have much room for errors. I regret not finishing the match the way I should have.”
“No amount of training or psychological preparation can fully get you ready for the moment when a gold medal is on the line. Winning that would have been surreal. It’s hard to describe, but I wish I could have changed the outcome. In the end, it all comes down to the mental game. It’s the hardest thing we face.”
Other
Sarina Satomi successfully defended her women’s singles WH1 gold medal after a thrilling one-hour match, defeating Sujirat Pookkham 18-21, 21-13, 21-18.
Cheng Hefang also retained her women’s singles SL4 title with a 21-14, 21-18 victory over Leani Ratri Oktila, repeating the result of their Tokyo 2020 Paralympic final.
Despite her singles loss, Oktila partnered with Hikmat Ramdani to defend their mixed doubles title, overcoming fellow Indonesians Fredy Setiawan/Halimatus Sadia 21-16, 21-15.
China’s Yang Qiuxia added another gold to her nation’s tally with a commanding 21-17, 21-10 win over Thulasimathi Murugesan in the women’s singles SU5 final.
September 5, 2024
Yuka Chokyu’s Paralympic Journey at Paris 2024
For her debut match, Yuka Chokyu made her first appearance at the Paris Paralympic Games as a representative of Canada’s badminton team, in front of a packed arena of over five thousand people at the Porte de la Chapelle venue.
In her first match at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Yuka Chokyu faced a formidable opponent, Hu Guang-Chiou from Taiwan. Despite her valiant efforts, Yuka was defeated in two sets, 21-12, 21-12.
Yuka remained positive after the match, stating: “I gave it my all, and I have no regrets. I’m enjoying the atmosphere, and it’s a great experience to be here.”
In her second match against Brazil’s Daniele Souza, Yuka put on an excellent performance, especially during a thrilling second set where she made an impressive comeback. However, her opponent managed to secure victory in the decisive third set. The final score: 16 – 21, 21 – 15, 7 – 21.
Yuka Chokyu concluded her journey at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games after a tough match against Thailand’s Sujirat Pookkham. The final score: 3 – 21, 1 – 21. Despite the result, Yuka remained proud and reflected on her experience.
“She’s an excellent player, and she’s been at the top for so long. We’re friends off the court, and it was an honor to compete against her. Paris has been a wonderful experience, and I’m proud to represent Team Canada,” Yuka said after the match.
“I’m extremely proud of how Yuka played and carried herself on the court, representing Canada. She gave her best against some of the toughest competitors in the world. The energy from the sold-out crowd was incredible,” said coach Frank Gaudet.
September 5, 2024
Paris Paralympics: We ensure our athletes believe in their abilities and are not limited by their disabilities
We returned home with two silver medals from the Paralympics in badminton. This is an incredible achievement. But more importantly, we are proud of the performances of our four players who, throughout a week of intense competition, represented the sport of badminton brilliantly and will inspire many more to take part in the sport.
“I was left speechless while cheering for our athletes in Paris,” explained Sue Storey, CEO of Badminton England. “It was an incredibly joyful event.
“We work with our athletes to help them reach their peak performance. The entire culture of Badminton England is about ensuring athletes believe in their abilities and are not limited by disability.
“Dan was simply amazing. He performed so well. He was just one step away from the gold medal, but we are proud of his silver medal win on Monday.
“Then there’s Christen—he was truly a crowd favorite! Honestly, I think he dived more times during the Paralympics than Tom Daley did! He was flying everywhere, enjoying every second, and we are so proud of their achievements.
“Rachel didn’t make it to Tokyo with this achievement, but she came to Paris and stepped onto the court as the first female badminton player at the Paralympics. She made everyone proud—we look forward to seeing her progress and what she will achieve in Los Angeles in four years.
“Then there’s Jack—like Rachel, he competed in two events. He continues to be a great ambassador for the sport. I know that when he returns home, he will go into the community
Sue also believes that the success in Paris will inspire more people across the country to get involved in our sport
“This is exactly what we hoped for. We aimed for two medals at the Paralympics, and we achieved
“All the players worked incredibly hard, and head coach Richard Morris has fostered such a great culture—a truly amazing culture that inspires everyone to get involved in para-badminton.
“Of course, none of this would be possible without the tremendous support of the National Lottery. Every penny that goes into the lottery helps sport in this country—so thank you to the National Lottery for helping us achieve what we did today.
“Badminton is an amazing sport. No matter your age, what level you want to achieve, or whether you have a disability, you can take part in this sport. These players have proven just how inspiring they can be when competing at the highest level on the biggest stage.
“What I want to say to everyone who watched our Olympic and Paralympic games this summer is… pick up a racket and play badminton! It’s the most joyful thing.
“There are so many opportunities to get involved in the sport. We would love to see more people participate in para-badminton. Last week’s competition showed what we can achieve—our athletes set an example in Paris, inspiring more people to get involved in the sport.”
September 5, 2024
The Glorious Era of Japanese Women’s Doubles Comes to an End: Wakana Nagahara Announces Retirement
On September 4, 29-year-old Japanese badminton women’s doubles star Wakana Nagahara held a press conference in Akita City to announce that she will retire in March next year. Her partner, 28-year-old Mayu Matsumoto, will also leave the national team but may continue to compete with other players. The Japan Open in August this year marked the final stage for this pair to compete together.
In her retirement statement, Wakana Nagahara said, “As a member of the Japanese national badminton team for nine years, every day was busy, and there were some painful moments. Looking back now, there were also many happy times… I will participate in the upcoming Japan S/J Badminton League and officially retire in March next year.”
Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi became the first Japanese women’s doubles pair in history to reach world No. 1 in October 2014. They won gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, ushering in the golden era of Japanese women’s doubles. From 2017 to 2019, Japanese women’s doubles teams flourished, occupying half of the world’s top 10. Among them, the strongest pairs were Misaki Matsutomo/Ayaka Takahashi, Yuki Fukushima/Sayaka Hirota, and Mayu Matsumoto/Wakana Nagahara.
Yuki Fukushima and Sayaka Hirota won silver at the World Championships in 2017, 2018, and 2019, while Mayu Matsumoto and Wakana Nagahara made their breakthrough in 2018, emerging as dark horses to claim back-to-back World Championships titles in 2018 and 2019. They also reached the world No. 1 ranking for the first time in April 2019 and were once considered the successors to Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi. Japan even viewed the Tokyo Olympic women’s doubles gold medal as almost a certainty.
As Ayaka Takahashi retired due to injuries, Yuki Fukushima/Sayaka Hirota and Mayu Matsumoto/Wakana Nagahara gradually became Japan’s main force in women’s doubles. Both pairs competed in the Tokyo Olympics, but Hirota suffered a knee injury just before the games and had to compete wearing a brace after choosing conservative treatment. Unfortunately, they were eliminated in the quarterfinals, and Matsumoto/Nagahara also fell at the same stage, putting a damper on Japan’s once-dominant women’s doubles.
Following their quarterfinal exit at the Tokyo Olympics, Matsumoto and Nagahara were disappointed and considered splitting up. However, they decided to continue partnering for the Paris Olympics. Although they were unable to achieve their ideal results in Paris, exiting in the group stage, they persevered until the end. Sayaka Hirota also suffered another devastating knee ligament tear just before the 2024 Olympics, ultimately missing this year’s games.
Now, with Wakana Nagahara’s retirement, the strongest generation of Japanese women’s doubles has officially come to an end. The rise of Chiharu Shida and Nami Matsuyama brings new hope to Japan’s women’s doubles, but compared to the glory achieved by their predecessors, they still have a long way to go in terms of personal strength and accomplishments, requiring more time to grow and mature.
September 5, 2024
Who is Nitesh Kumar, the Paris Paralympic badminton gold medalist?
Nitesh Kumar, a para-badminton player from Charkhi Dadri, Haryana, secured India’s second gold medal at the Paris Paralympics on Monday by defeating British player Daniel Bethell in the SL3 category final. SL3 players like Nitesh have more severe lower limb impairments, requiring them to compete on a half-width court.
At 29, Nitesh overcame a permanent leg injury sustained in a 2009 accident to dominate Bethell in the final, showcasing his prowess.
As an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, Nitesh ensured that India continued to secure a medal in the SL3 category, following in the footsteps of Pramod Bhagat, who won gold at the Tokyo Paralympics three years ago.
Nitesh’s Journey
Nitesh’s childhood passion was football. However, a tragic accident in 2009 in Vizag shattered his dreams, leaving him bedridden for months with a permanent leg injury. Despite this setback, Nitesh’s love for sports remained unwavering.
During his studies at IIT Mandi, Nitesh discovered a new passion for badminton. He honed his skills on the court, often challenging able-bodied players.
In 2016, Nitesh seized the opportunity to represent Haryana at the National Para-Badminton Championship in Faridabad. He made an impressive debut, winning a bronze medal and showcasing his immense potential. The following year, he continued his success, securing a silver medal in singles and a bronze in doubles at the National Championships.
Nitesh’s crowning moment came in 2020 when he defeated Tokyo Paralympic medalists Pramod Bhagat and Manoj Sarkar to claim the gold medal at the National Championships. His dominance in domestic competitions cemented his status as one of India’s top para-badminton players.
Beyond national honors, Nitesh has also excelled on the international stage, winning medals in various tournaments. Now, he has claimed a medal in his Paralympic debut.
September 4, 2024
Combs wins silver medal at Paris Paralympics
Krysten Coombs was delighted to upgrade his men’s singles bronze to a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Badminton Championships.
The 33-year-old athlete lost 21-19, 21-13 to local favorite and close friend Charles Noakes in the SH6 men’s singles final.
Accompanied by a raucous French crowd and some British supporters, Coombs did his best to enjoy the moment, and Noakes acknowledged his opponent’s performance in the post-match celebrations.
“It’s amazing,” said the Totnes native. “It’s obviously not the result I wanted, but to see so many people in the crowd was fantastic.”
“We don’t get this kind of atmosphere at other para-badminton championships, so to experience this was incredible. As the match was nearing its end, I had to give it my all.”
“This is what dreams are made of. Hard work, dedication, years of sacrifice, not being able to do things with friends and family—having them here is the best part.”
“Having the support of ParalympicsGB and everyone behind me, along with many people working behind the scenes, such as UK Sport and the National Lottery, enabled me to be here and feel this atmosphere.”
“If people didn’t buy lottery tickets back home, we wouldn’t have this experience.”
Coombs, who won bronze at the Tokyo Paralympics, built up a considerable lead early in the first game, but spurred on by the home crowd, Noakes didn’t stay silent for long.
After a brief medical timeout for Coombs, he leveled the score at 11-11 and shortly after took the lead for the first time.
The Frenchman led by three points, but Coombs quickly responded, keeping the score close until Noakes secured three game points.
Coombs saved two but couldn’t stop Noakes from clinching the third, shifting the momentum in his favor.
From that point, the Frenchman comfortably took the second game, with Coombs playing attacking badminton to try and halt his opponent’s progress, but it was only temporary.
“I came here to play my best badminton and see what would happen. My dream was to win that gold medal, but it wasn’t to be,” he added.
“The momentum shifted, and he came out on top—that’s badminton, that’s how it goes. I struggled a bit in the second game, but I gave it my all.”
“We’re great friends on and off the court, and we socialize as much as we can. That’s what I love about para-badminton—making lots of friends here.”
“To share this moment with him was incredible.”
September 4, 2024
Carolina Marín Has Nearly 20 Sponsors, But Only Two to Three Million Euros in Her Bank Account?
As one of the most accomplished current female singles players in badminton, Carolina Marín boasts three World Championship gold medals (2014, 2015, and 2018) and a 2016 Rio Olympic gold medal, along with seven European Championship gold medals (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2024).
Although she faced a knee injury and had to withdraw from the women’s singles semifinals at the Paris Olympics this year, and despite her age and previous knee injuries possibly leading to retirement, this does not diminish her status as a walking “money machine.”
In the 2023 season, Carolina Marín earned approximately $257,000 in prize money from BWF events. How much reward does an Olympic gold medalist from Spain receive? It’s reported that a Spanish badminton singles player winning the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics would receive 94,000 euros, with silver earning 24,000 euros and bronze 3,000 euros. Unfortunately, Carolina Marín did not make it to the finals due to her injury.
Additionally, Carolina Marín won the 2024 Princess of Asturias Sports Award in May 2024, one of Spain’s highest sports honors, earning a 50,000-euro reward.
When asked jokingly how much money she has in her bank account, Carolina Marín generously mentioned that apart from investing in a few apartments, she only has “a small amount” of two to three million euros (approximately 15 to 23 million RMB). We, as spectators, can only silently enjoy instant noodles and think, “The world of the elite is beyond our understanding!”
Regarding sponsors, Carolina Marín is practically a “darling of the advertising world,” with endorsements spanning multiple industries across Asia and Europe, including football, hotels, insurance, banking, and automobiles. She is truly a “cross-industry queen.”
Her most notable sponsor is LaLiga (Spanish La Liga), with their partnership lasting from 2017 to 2024.
Other brands that have sponsored Carolina Marín include IBERDROLA (Spanish electricity company), Banco Santander, MELIA (Spanish hotel group), Movistar (Spanish telecommunications), TOYOTA (one of the world’s largest car manufacturers), Chinese real estate brand Country Garden, Samsung (South Korean conglomerate), Maurice Lacroix (Swiss luxury watchmaker), UAX (University Alfonso X the Wise in Spain), Plátano de Canarias, Iberia, El Corte Inglés, Sanitas (Spanish insurance company), UNIVERSAL (American film company), Zumosol, and UCAM.
With so many sponsors, can you really believe Carolina Marín bank account only holds two to three million euros?
In the world of badminton, only Lin Dan from China, Lee Chong Wei from Malaysia, P.V. Sindhu from India, and Viktor Axelsen from Denmark can come close to her level in terms of sponsorships.
September 4, 2024
Miles Krajewski and Jayci Simon won silver at the 2024 Paris Paralympics
Despite today’s loss, Miles Krajewski and Jayci Simon displayed the spirit of hope and perseverance at the 2024 Paralympics. Their match against the experienced Lin NaiLi and Li FengMei showcased their resilience and skill. After trailing 9-16 in the first set, they mounted a comeback, closing the gap but ultimately falling 14-21. The second set was fiercely contested, with the Chinese team eventually winning 21-12. However, their performance demonstrated their dedication and potential.
In an interview, Miles and Jayci expressed deep pride and gratitude. They acknowledged the challenges but were encouraged by their unexpected journey to the finals. “Even though we didn’t win the gold, reaching this stage is still incredible,” said Jayci. They emphasized that the experience of competing against seasoned opponents would serve as a valuable lesson and stepping stone for their future.
Their achievement is significant, especially as the first American Para-Badminton team to win a medal in the Pan-American region. This milestone could inspire greater interest and support for badminton among both disabled and able-bodied athletes in the United States. Their journey has also opened doors for more players in wheelchair and short-stature categories.
Looking ahead, they remain focused on growth. For now, they are enjoying the joy of their success, planning to celebrate, and then return to their college lives.
September 3, 2024
Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah Finish as Runners-Up at the Korea Open
World No. 9 Pearly-Thinaah finished as runners-up in the Mokpo final on Sunday (September 1), losing 12-21, 11-21 to the host pair, former World No. 3 Jeong Na-eun and Kim Hye-jeong.
The Malaysian duo had defeated another host pair, World No. 2 Baek Ha-na and Lee So-hee, in the semifinals, but they couldn’t replicate their brilliant performance against the formidable Jeong-Kim, who controlled the match from start to finish.
Despite the defeat, Pearly and Thinaah can hold their heads high, as this was their first final appearance since finishing as runners-up at the Hong Kong Open a year ago.
The pair last won a title at the 2022 French Open.
September 3, 2024
Anwar Congratulates Liek Hou on Winning Malaysia’s First Gold Medal at the Paris Paralympics
Kuala Lumpur: Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim extended his congratulations on Monday (September 2) to national para-badminton champion Cheah Liek Hou for winning Malaysia’s first gold medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
In the final held at the Porte de la Chapelle Arena in Paris, France, Liek Hou defeated Indonesia’s Suryo Nugroho with a score of 21-13, 21-1 to claim the gold medal in the SU5 men’s singles (physical impairment) category, successfully defending his Tokyo 2020 Paralympic title.
According to the national news agency Bernama, Seri Anwar Ibrahim expressed his pride in Liek Hou’s achievement in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday (September 3), saying that Liek Hou had elevated Malaysia’s name on the global stage.
“We have won our first gold medal at #Paralympic2024! Even prouder that Liek Hou successfully defended the gold medal he won at the previous Paralympics.
“Congratulations! You have made Malaysia’s name shine on the world stage!” he said.
September 3, 2024
Lu Guangzu Wins Men’s Singles, Ends 6-Year Title Drought
Lu Guangzu won the men’s singles title at the Korea Open with scores of 21-16, 20-22, and 21-18 against Taiwan’s Lee Chia-hao, securing the sole championship for the Chinese national team at this event.
In the first set, Lu Guangzu gradually pulled ahead after a 3-all tie, winning 21-16.
In the second set, Lu Guangzu started strong with a 6-0 lead, but Lee Chia-hao fought back. Despite Lu Guangzu equalizing at 20-all, Li Jiahao won the set 22-20.
In the decisive third set, Lu Guangzu began to pull away after a 14-all tie. Although Lee Chia-hao came close at 18-19, Lu Guangzu secured the final victory with a score of 21-18.
Lee Chia-hao performed exceptionally well, defeating the 3rd seed Li Shi-feng in the quarterfinals and the 8th seed Lin Chun-yi in the semifinals, marking his first career appearance in a Super 500 final.
While three Chinese representatives reached the finals, Wang Zhi-yi withdrew from the women’s singles final, and Guo Xinwa/Li Qian lost to Malaysia’s Chen Tangjie/Toh Ee Wei in the mixed doubles final. Only Lu Guangzu claimed a title.
September 3, 2024