Wednesday, 15 May 2024

BWF News

The Asian Youth Para-Games (AYPG) sports competitions have kicked off with an exciting opening ceremony. The event, attended by dignitaries from the Paralympic Family, including IPC President Sir Philip Craven, promises to be a significant milestone for para-sport in Asia.

A Platform for Future Champions

With over 1200 athletes and support personnel participating in 14 sports from October 26th to October 30th, the AYPG has set the stage for young athletes to showcase their talents. Among the 14 sports featured, para-badminton stands out with 28 players from eight countries competing for medals in five Sport Classes at Stadium Juara, Bukit Kiara Sports Complex.

Paul Kurzo, present at the para-badminton competitions, expressed the importance of this event for the future of para-sport in Asia. He emphasized that youth plays a pivotal role in shaping the sport’s trajectory. Kurzo commended the high level of talent exhibited by the para-badminton players and the strength of badminton nations in the region.

“This international para-badminton event provides a valuable experience for these young athletes, leaving a lasting impression and inspiring them to become future para-badminton stars,” Kurzo added.

Showcasing Asian Talent

The para-badminton competition features players from China, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, and Korea. Reflecting on the potential of para-badminton, Kurzo highlighted the Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) vision to include the sport in the Paralympic program for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. The AYPG serves as a crucial stepping stone towards achieving this goal.

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Moreover, beyond the competitive aspect, the AYPG also serves as an opportunity for training, development, and networking. The event has hosted a Stage 2 Classifier course, with four new Classifiers graduating, contributing to the growth and advancement of para-sport. Additionally, international technical workshops involving umpires in the sport have further bolstered expertise in the field.

A Celebration of Para-Sport

The Minister of Youth and Sports Malaysia, Khairy Jamaluddin, officially declared the Asian Youth Para Games open at the vibrant opening ceremony held at Putra Stadium. Minister Jamaluddin passionately expressed the need to support para-sport and celebrate the achievements of the talented athletes competing in the Games.

The Games’ theme, “where passion grows, dreams fulfilled, friendships strengthened,” embodies the spirit of this multi-sport event. As the festivities continue, para-badminton enthusiasts eagerly await the finals, which will take place on Tuesday, October 29th.

For more information on the Asian Youth Para-Games, visit the official website.

FAQs

Q: What sports are featured in the Asian Youth Para-Games?
A: The Asian Youth Para-Games showcase 14 sports, including para-badminton.

Q: How many countries are participating in the para-badminton competition?
A: Eight countries are represented in the para-badminton competition at the AYPG.

Q: What is the vision of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) for para-badminton?
A: The BWF aims to include para-badminton in the Paralympic program for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Conclusion

The Asian Youth Para-Games have commenced with great enthusiasm, providing a platform for young athletes to shine and excel in their respective sports. The para-badminton competition, in particular, has attracted talented players from across Asia, highlighting the sport’s potential in the region. As the Games progress, the celebration of para-sport and the nurturing of future champions continue to be at the forefront. Stay connected with Carnegiecentre for the latest updates on the Asian Youth Para-Games.

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