BWF Para Badminton National Level 1 Classifier Workshop
In conjunction with the Oceania Para Badminton Championships in Melbourne, Australia in July, a BWF Para Badminton National Level 1 Classifier Workshop was held.
BWF Senior Classifier Dr Nevin Aysel delivered the workshop with five trainees from three countries (Australia, Bangladesh and Papua New Guinea).
The workshop consisted theoretical and observation sessions, which introduced Para badminton and athlete classification to interested parties.
Knowledge gained by the trainees can be applied and shared when they are back in their countries to further develop Para badminton.
The next workshop will be in Uganda in September. (link)
Dorna Longbut – Receipt of the BWF Female Participation Grant 2022
Growing up in Papua New Guinea, Dorna Longbut discovered badminton a few months ago, ahead of her debut at the VICTOR Oceania Para Badminton Championships 2022.
“Back in my country, badminton is not really popular like rugby league,” Longbut shared.
Before her badminton journey, Longbut was a seasoned rugby athlete. After her injury, Longbut eventually found her way back to sports, winning gold and bronze at Para athletics events this year. And her passion for Para sports goes beyond her individual experience.
“Para athletes have a lot of stories about how we take part and get ready, there’s a lot of barriers. But that doesn’t stop us from playing sports. We are seeing other countries and getting to know stories of other Para athletes. It’s interesting to be able to see them compete at an elite level.”
The Oceania Championships marked the competitive debut of Longbut, who arrived early to practice in the cooler temperatures of Melbourne.
“It’s my first time in Melbourne. It’s pretty nice but colder than back home! But I’m loving the experience,” she said.
Longbut played eight matches across three categories – women’s singles and doubles and mixed doubles. She won a match each in the latter events.
Longbut is also a recipient of the BWF Female Participation Grant 2022. Valued at US$900, it has supported her foray into international Para badminton.
