Shino Kawai continued her perfect record in her maiden full season on the international circuit by winning French Para Badminton International 2026 in Mulhouse on Sunday.
The 33-year-old defeated Indonesian Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh 21-14 21-12 in the SL3 women’s singles final to take home her fourth title of the season. Since making her debut at the Peru Para Badminton International in August, which she won, Kawai has gone from strength to strength, emerging champion at five of her next six tournaments, including the World Championships in Bahrain in February. The only blemish was a runner-up finish to Zuxian Xiao at the China Para Badminton International in September.
“Very happy to win here,” said Kawai. “I’ve had good results since my debut and now I’m also world No.1. I will continue to work hard and go into each tournament as well prepared as I can, all the way to LA28 (Paralympic Games).”
Kawai’s title was one of four won by Japan, with Daiki Kajiwara (WH2 men’s singles) and Sarina Satomi (WH1 women’s singles) extending their dominance in their respective categories. Kajiwara also partnered Keita Nishimura to capture the WH1-WH2 men’s doubles crown.
India left the tournament the most successful nation, triumphing in five categories. Thulasimathi Murugesan accounted for two of those – SU5 women’s singles and SL3-SU5 women’s doubles with Manasi Joshi – while Tokyo 2020 Paralympic gold medallist Krishna Nagar won his first title since the Japan Para Badminton International in November.
“Now I feel better because it’s been a while since I won gold in my main event in singles. This will boost my confidence,” said Nagar after beating home favourite Charles Noakes 21-19 21-12 in the SH6 men’s singles final.
Nagar and Noakes in the battle between the last two Paralympic champions.
The Para badminton stars reconvene in Dublin, Ireland this week for the Level 1 British & Irish Para Badminton International 2026.
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