The best Para shuttlers have been assessed based on their performance this season and nominated to receive BWF Player of the Year trophies at the BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2024 in Pattaya, Thailand in February.

Here are some of them looking back on a memorable 2023.

Kim Jungjun, Korea (WH2 Men’s Wheelchair)
Male Para Badminton Player of the Year nominee

“The Thailand Para Badminton International is my best memory, especially the WH1-2 men’s doubles gold medal match. We defeated the strongest Chinese pair (Tokyo 2020 gold medallists Mai Jianpeng/Qu Zimo), giving us confidence we can win gold at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games as well.”

To Man-Kei, Belgium (WH1 Women’s Wheelchair)
Female Para Badminton Player of the Year nominee

“It’s been a splendid year, winning the European Para Championship singles gold. My performance is stable, I’m sure of my game plan, and I’m one of the top five. Everything is going well, I’m quite prepared for the Paralympics next year.”

Cheah Liek Hou, Malaysia (SU5 Men’s Standing)
Male Para Badminton Player of the Year nominee

“In Toledo, Spain, I was very ill with a bad cough and nose bleed. This may not be the best memory but an experience I will remember because I overcame that and won. It will also help remind myself to be better prepared for every climate and condition. At my age I need to maintain my momentum and be consistent for next year but having won all the Level 1 events except the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, I’m satisfied I’m in a position to qualify for Paris 2024.”

Thulasimathi Murugesan, India (SU5 Women’s Standing)
Female Para Badminton Player of the Year nominee

“The most memorable moment this year was winning gold at the Asian Para Games, and doing it by beating China’s Yang Qiuxia (Tokyo 2020 gold medallist). I lost to her twice in other events but winning in her country, among her local fans, is just unforgettable. I’m looking forward to a good year.”

Leani Ratri Oktila, Indonesia (SL4 Women’s Standing)
Female Para Badminton Player and Para Badminton Pair of the Year nominee

“Something that will always stay in my mind is winning two gold and one silver in Hangzhou, defending these titles from the Jakarta 2018 Games. I’m feeling better and improving steadily, I have a great support system at home for my baby which means I can fully focus on my sport.”