David Jack Wilson (SU5), the lone Welshman in the ParabadmintonGB setup, relished the rare chance to compete on home soil at the Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff, claiming a crucial victory over Hardik Makkar 21-18 21-16 on Day 2 of the British & Irish Para Badminton International 2025.
The opportunity to perform in front of family and friends in Wales had provided extra motivation him as the Level 1 event hosts the world’s best Para badminton players.
After falling to Meril Loquette (SU5) in his opening group-stage match on Day 1, Wilson needed to dig deep to keep his quarterfinal hopes alive and did just that with a crucial win in front of a home crowd in Cardiff.
“I’m really very emotional. If I wasn’t so sweaty, I would hug you. I feel that the way I’m playing is like a new and improved player. It’s a better version of myself. I used to chase the lines down, smash and attack but now I use a lot more variation in my game. I was smart and calm. Compared to the old me where I would go gung-ho for everything. That’s the difference. Home support makes such a difference too. Everyone who backs me wants me to win and there’s an element of trying to make Wales proud of me.”
Taking 33 minutes to complete the task, the Welshman acknowledged how his team set-up prepared him and how meeting British Royalty before his match affected him.
“I’ve been working with a psychologist and a nutritionist. What happens off court is just as important as what you do on court. I’m getting fitter, stronger and smarter. It’s all coming together nicely. I met Prince Edward before my match. He was really nice and wished me luck.”
Wilson (SU5) was emotional after his win.
Paralympic bronze medallist Vitor Gonçalves Tavares (SH6) overcame Subhan Subhan (SH6) in two games to top Group B winning 21-12 24-22. The bubbly Brazilian was excited with the win.
Speaking to BWF, he said: “The last game really could have gone either way. Subhan is such a good player and we have huge respect for one another. I’m feeling good and confident in myself. I’ve added some new elements to my game such as putting pressure on my opponent at the net. In training, I’ve practiced the pressure being on me so I know how to counter that. I am also getting better at anticipating shots, thinking two or three steps ahead. It’s working.”
The 26-year-old also revealed how his Paralympic bronze medal from Paris 2024 changed his life and the perception of badminton in Brazil.
“I received so many messages from people telling me they were inspired by my performance in Paris and that they’re now playing badminton. I have lost count of the number of schools I have visited to share my story of the Games and the medal; children always want to see the medal. I love they way they react to my stories and my journey. It’s been incredible.”
Taveres will play Chun Yim Yong of Hong Kong China in the next round-robin match.
Taveres talks of how winning Paralympic bronze at Paris 2024 helped promote badminton in Brazil.
What They Said
“It was a bit of an odd match. I wasn’t sure if my opponent was going to play. I won but I don’t think it was my best performance. I took some time off after the Paralympics and I really needed that. Badminton is just as physical as it is mental. I grew my hair longer too. I hope it makes me look younger.” – The charming, Lucas Mazur (SL4) after his 21-11 21-11 win over Tarun Tarun.
“I was really close to winning. Physically, I feel good. SL3 is a really tough category but I’m overall very happy with how I played.” – William Rossy (SL3) on his close call to Umesh Vikram Kumar.
“This is my second tournament of the year. My coach and I have been selective of events to compete at. I felt I needed to work on my drop shots as those as crucial in wheelchair events and different strokes.” – Pilar Jauregui (WH2)
“It was the first time I had played Ilaria in a mixed doubles competition. It was fun and interesting. She pushed me to play harder and vice versa. She beat me once in women’s doubles so I think she knows the secret, haha.” – Cynthia Mathez (WH1) jests after competing against her doubles partner, Ilaria Olgiati (WH2).
Mathez (WH1) is all smiles in Cardiff.
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