The recently concluded BAHRAIN BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2026 gave us some memorable soundbites. Here’s a selection of the best:
“Many people from my generation stopped after Tokyo, after Paris. But I still feel motivated, I still like the circuit and will go on until my body says no.”
Man Kei To has no plans to quit just yet.
“If Para badminton has taught me one thing, it’s you just have to persevere. If you keep working at it, even with disability, you can make it.”
UAE’s WH1 player Omair Muahmmad on what the sport has given him.
“I went to Paris to watch the Paralympics without even knowing Para badminton was a sport. Now I’m on court with some of the players I was watching and we are friends. That’s really special.”
Australian SL4 player Brandon Poon on his whirlwind year and a half.
“I tell you in LA28 when I win. That’s my dirty goal.”
Mathieu Thomas on the secret to finally beating Manoj Sarkar on his 14th attempt
“Kim (Jungjun) and Choi (Jung Man) have been leading us well for a long time but we need to take the baton and try to continue that legacy.”
Yu Sooyoung ready to assume greater responsibility as part of Korea’s WH1–WH2 men’s pair alongside Park Haeseong.
“I’ve never given a walkover in any event. I don’t like giving walkovers and I hate giving up without trying.”
India’s SH6 men’s singles player Sivarajan Solaimalai who completed a group match despite barely being able to move.
“Lin Dan is my idol and I’ve won one more world title in singles than him now. I’m over the moon and I’m proud of myself. I thank my idol.”
Pramod Bhagat shares what it means to capture his sixth SL3 men’s singles gold.
“It’s a dream come true, especially because my age is increasing and my son is nine years old. I think I’m an old warrior who’s not old yet.”
Chinese SH6 specialist Li Feng Mei on claiming three gold medals for the second consecutive edition.
“I feel so emotional because I’ve been waiting four years to get back this title. I’m glad to share this with all the players around the world playing badminton for France.”
SL4 star Lucas Mazur after reclaiming the crown he lost two years ago in Pattaya.
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