Yang Tong ignited the Pattaya Exhibition Convention Hall on Day 1 of the NSDF Royal Beach Cliff BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2024, surprising WH1 men’s singles No.3 seed Muhammad Ikhwan Ramli 21-12 21-13.

Speaking with a radiant smile post-match after his Group C win, Yang expressed his overwhelming joy.

“I prepared well for the match thanks to my coaches and my team who helped me analyse Ramli’s matches and how he wins points,” Yang exclaimed, his voice resonating with excitement. “I also added a lot of speed to my game and that was the key to winning.

“This is my third World Championships. At the previous editions I felt too young to understand the magnitude of it and the playing techniques but I’ve learned a lot about myself since and gained experience. I’ve become a better player.”

Meanwhile, Maximiliano Avila Sosa revealed the sacrifices he’s had to make to reach his first World Championships – which includes moving to a different city – after a 21-5 21-3 win over Hassan Mubiru in men’s singles Group C.

“I moved to put more time into playing. It’s been a drastic change, I don’t get to see my family and that’s hard. I’ve sacrificed a lot to work towards playing at the highest level with the best players. That’s the dream and if I keep working towards my goals, I’ll get there,” said the Mexican.

This is the first time Thailand is hosting the Para Badminton World Championships. The 14th edition is the largest, with 325 players vying for the crown in 22 categories. Five new countries make their debut – Azerbaijan, Barbados, Iran, Iraq and the Maldives.

→ Results (Day 1)

→ Order of play (Day 2)

 WHAT OTHERS SAID:

“I’m really enjoying my first international tournament outside Africa. All my training has been worth it. I train six hours a day, three in the morning and another three in the afternoon.” – Chigozie Jeremiah Nnanna after getting his first World Championships campaign to a good start defeating Lachlan Boulton 21-7 21-11 in SL4 men’s singles Group C

“Discipline, discipline, discipline. That’s what I kept hearing from my coaches during my first game. At the end of the third, I know it’s important to stay in control of your emotions. Keep them in check.” – David Jack Wilson (SU5) on what’s needed in crucial moments of a match

“I’m happy to play my first World Championships. I couldn’t at Tokyo 2022 as I picked up an injury but it’s great to be here in Thailand. I speak Chinese and when I approached Team China, they were so surprised and impressed with my Chinese, it was heart warming. Now when they see me, it’s like I’m one of the family.” – Cameroonian Etienne Songa Bidjocka (SL4) certainly has a good sense of humour