Day 1 of the British & Irish Para Badminton International 2025 saw two Para players make a welcome return to tour after taking some time away.
Australian player Bree Wright (WH1/2) returned to the Para circuit after three years away and came in tow to Cardiff, Wales with an 18-month-year-old boy in her arms.
“It’s lovely to be back,” she exclaimed upon competing in her first Level 1 event. Wright had a big smile on her face despite her 21-12 21-9 loss with Misha Ginns over Jaquelin Karina Burgos Javier and Pilar Jauregui in the round-robin.
“It’s been quite a journey,” she giggled. “This is my return to international competition. I’m really fortunate to have a supportive team around me. Balancing Para badminton and having a young son can be a lot as I’m still feeding. I just try to make everything work from looking after my son, to training and competing. I made the switch from playing Para basketball after the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. I got a few broken fingers and the sport is quite brutal. I find badminton much kinder to my body and I’ve made a lot of friends.”
Coombs (L) is ecstatic to be back on court after 11 months away. Seen here with new mixed doubles partner, Anya Butterworth.
Paralympic silver medallist, Krysten Coombs (SH6) also made his comeback to the tour having not competed since his epic Paralympic final against Charles Noakes in Paris 2024, almost a year ago.
Claiming an emphatic win over number two seeds, Krishna Nagar/Nithya Sre Sumathy Sivan 21-19 21-19 with new partner, Anya Butterworth in Group B, he spoke of his reasons to take time off and why he is playing doubles and not singles.
“It’s great to be back. Paris was amazing. I found that I needed take myself away from the sport and have a bit of rest to decide what I want to do. I’m in a position where I’m undecided about what’s next. I am playing with Anya who played amazingly well. She’s 17-years-old and playing her first Level 1 event. We don’t get that much time to practice as she’s still at school. It’s an opportunity to play mixed and we’ll also be playing at the European event together also.”
The 34-year-old also revealed he will be teaming up with Noakes in men’s doubles in Cardiff.
“We go from foe to friends. We’re actually really good friends. We have not had an opportunity to practice. We’ll see how it goes when we get on court. We want to have fun.”
WHAT OTHERS SAID:
“It’s great to get a first win. I feel it’s a good start to the tournament. It’s been a tough year leading up to the Paralympics and after too. I have finished my first year of study to be a mid-wife. Just two more years to go.” – Helle Sofie SagØy (SL4) on what’s keeping her busy.
“I’ve been playing Para badminton for over 20 years and the level has really grown. It’s my first ever Level 1 event. I didn’t think I’d get in with my ranking but I am delighted to be here.” – William Smith (SL3)
“I listened to my coach and followed her advice and I’m so happy to win. I don’t get to train full-time; I have an admin role in the police force back home. My colleagues are really proud I’m competing at such a high level.” – Emona Ivanova (SL3) is grateful to her coach for guiding her through her first match in Cardiff.
Ivanova (SL3) from Bulgaria in action.
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