For eight long years, Mathieu Thomas carried a number like an unwanted shadow.
Thirteen matches against India’s Manoj Sarkar. Thirteen defeats.
On Tuesday at BAHRAIN BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2026, that finally cracked.
In a breathless 21-18 24-26 21-17 victory, the French SL3 shuttler rewrote his story. When the final shuttle dropped, Thomas didn’t roar, he almost laughed in disbelief.
“The feeling is extraordinary,” he said, still catching his breath. “I played against him 13 times and he won every time. I’m so, so, so proud.”
This was no stroke of luck, it was the result of rebuilding. Thomas recently found a new coach. More importantly, he discovered something within himself.
“Now I use my soul,” he explained, smiling. “Before, I didn’t. Now the tactic is in my head. I eat for that, I work for that. And it works.”
There were subtle adjustments – more slice, more variation – though he guarded the finer details like a magician protecting his best illusion.
“I don’t tell here,” he grinned. “I keep that for me. I tell you in LA28 when I win. That’s my dirty goal.”
For years, Sarkar had been the barrier Thomas could not cross.
“Now I know it’s possible. And he knows he can lose against me. Now I’m on the top in the head.”
Finally beaten.
Standing in his path in the singles quarterfinal? World No.1 and reigning Paralympic champion Kumar Nitesh of India – another opponent with a daunting 10-0 record against him.
But numbers don’t feel so heavy anymore.
“If I improve my game, I can win this,” Thomas said, eyes bright with belief.
Thirteen times no more.
And perhaps 10 won’t last much longer either.
WHAT OTHERS SAID
“I’m definitely going to miss not being able to see my friends from other countries. I’d like to work hard to contribute to the spread and development of Para badminton, even if just a little.” – SU5 women’s singles player Mamiko Toyoda, gold medallist in 2013, after playing her last match as a professional
“I beat him in Indonesia (Para Badminton International 2025) and gained a lot of confidence from it. I’m delighted but I want to keep winning. God willing, I can.” – Subhan Subhan after ousting SH6 men’s singles Paralympic gold medallist Charles Noakes in the round of 16
“My first World Championships and already reaching the quarterfinals – wow, I don’t even have words to say. It really is something indescribable.” – Brazilian Kauana Michelson Beckenkamp after she and Mikaela Da Costa made the SL3-SU5 women’s doubles last eight
Subhan celebrating sealing his progress.
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