Whether they were talent-scouted or followed on social media, this last year has been an exciting one for all the newcomers to the Para badminton circuit.

This is what some of them had to say about their debut season.

Yuemei Liu, China (SL3 Women’s Standing)

“I only participated in five tournaments. In my first match, I was very excited and throughout the many matches, I feel I’m improving. The best experience was the Hangzhou Asian Para Games when I won against Parul Dalsukhbhai Parmar (India) to whom I lost before. And I was playing in my country.”

Elisa Bujnowskyj, France (SH6 Women’s)

“When Charles (Noakes) contacted me on Instagram to ask if I was interested in playing badminton, I never thought I’d find my place on the team so quickly because I’m a shy person who needs time to observe people before I make friends. I’m enjoying the experience, even though I have to travel every week to train with Charles in another town.”

Shiho Sawada, Japan (SL4 Women’s Standing)

“Visiting various countries and conversing with foreign players and local people, I feel I want to study English more. Competing with Japan on your shirt is not something everyone can experience, so I’m learning to appreciate the environment I’m in and I want to achieve better results as a representative of my country.”

Martyn Ford, Australia (WH1 Men’s Wheelchair)

“As a first-time badminton player, it’s been a good year. When I couldn’t go home after a tournament because my whole family had Covid, Manjunatha (Chikkaiah) invited me to train with him in India for a few weeks. It’s an amazing community I call my travelling family. And when you are by yourself, sometimes it’s the little things we do for each other that count.”