Who said what in and around the badminton world over the past week, plus see how the badminton community celebrated World Badminton Day 2025.

“We’re getting better every year. This is just the beginning for the Americas. There will be two parties to celebrate. One for my medal and another for Guiliana Poveda’s birthday.” – Pilar Jauregui, WH2 winner at the British & Irish Para Badminton International 2025

“I would play badminton. That’s my favourite sport. You ask me to watch cricket and badminton, I’ll go for badminton any time. It’s just a fabulous sport and I think India is doing so well in recent times. Winning the Thomas Cup a couple of years ago is almost like India winning the (cricket) World Cup in 83.” – Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar on his favourite sport

“This title is very special because my partner and I came from the same badminton club where the late Coach Iie Sumirat coached us. We will carry his legacy and spirit with every point we fight for.” – Fajar Alfian after he and new partner Muhammad Shohibul Fikri won the VICTOR China Open 2025 

“I don’t know why I’m crying. I’m really happy with how I’ve played all week. It’s my first Level 1 event and Krysten (Coombs) has given lots of advice to get me through my matches. It’s been an emotional week.” – 17-year-old Anya Butterworth (SH6) after her semifinal finish at the British & Irish Para Badminton International 2025 with Krysten Coombs

“My results at the China Open hadn’t been great, but to be able to win here, I’m extremely happy. He played well in the first few rounds. His strokeplay and skills are good, I was prepared for this today.” – Shi Yu Qi

“It’s a fantastic day for Swiss Badminton. I am happy to come away with two golds. I wasn’t sure I could do it. I was really tired after my first match but I managed to do it. I will spend a week in Wales to explore the country as my celebration.” – Cynthia Mathez, WH1 winner the British & Irish Para Badminton International 2025

“There were lots of TV, magazine and radio invitations. It’s good, but it takes a lot of energy. My coach told me, focus on badminton first. To make history, you need to work hard.” – SH6 player Charles Noakes, on the attention on him after he won Paralympic gold

“I was surprised. I came thinking I would give my all. Winning against her is surprising and I’m happy. There were a lot of lessons, but the biggest was that we have to keep fighting.” – Unnati Hooda, after she beat senior compatriot Pusarla V Sindhu

“I went to Bulgaria to see my grandparents for four-five days, then I went to Denmark with Mia’s (Blichfeltd) family to spend the weekend. It’s nice to reset. Ten days is not enough. But because of the World Championships, and Japan and China were in the middle of the year, now I will go home and prepare for the World Championships. Even when I’m home it feels like a holiday because it’s 40 degrees and with the beach and everything.” – Toma Junior Popov

“I feel my body is getting better, and no more headache and vertigo, so that’s positive. I have been doing some acupuncture twice every week. Of course I hope I’m healthy for the World Championships and I hope I can play well.” – Gregoria Mariska Tunjung

“Facing the world No.1 is definitely a good opportunity for me to test myself. I want to see how far I’ve come and what my strengths and weaknesses are for future evaluation. I’m no longer nervous, no matter who I play, and I’m not that far behind.” – Alwi Farhan, on playing Kunlavut Vitidsarn

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