The BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2026 are set to take place from 8–14 February 2026 in Bahrain, bringing together the world’s best para badminton players for a week of top-level international competition.
This event is the highest standalone championship in para badminton, sitting just below the Paralympic Games. Players from across the globe will compete across singles and doubles events, representing their countries on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
What is Para Badminton?
Para badminton is played by athletes with different physical abilities and is contested across several classifications to ensure fair and competitive play. These include:
- Wheelchair (WH1, WH2)
- Standing (SL3, SL4, SU5)
- Short Stature (SH6)
At the World Championships, athletes compete in men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, with all matches played best of three games to 21 points.
Competing on the World Stage
For many athletes, qualifying for the World Championships represents years of dedication, training, and persistence.
This year we are very proud that 6 New Zealand athletes qualified to compete at the 2026 BWF Para Badminton World Championships in Bahrain. This is a significant achievement, made possible through the continued support of Badminton Oceania and the Badminton World Federation.
- Amy Dunn
- Andrew Fairweather
- Anna Hika
- Maia Read
- Thomas Slade
- Rishikesh Venu
New Zealand Para badminton player Thomas Slade shared what representing New Zealand at the World Championships means to him:
“When I was a kid I was obsessed with sport — I still am. I always dreamed of representing New Zealand in sport. It’s a dream come true to represent New Zealand, especially at the highest levels at the World Champs.”
When asked what excites him most about competing in Bahrain, Thomas reflected in true Kiwi humour on the challenge ahead:
“I’m just an old dude who works full time and trains as much as I can. I’m competing against players who train full time, and I love that challenge. I love that about being a Kiwi — we might be small, but that’s never stopped us. I’m really excited to visit Bahrain too. I’ve never been to that part of the world and can’t wait to compete and experience a new country.”
Support Behind the Scenes
Competing on the world stage doesn’t happen alone. For New Zealand’s Para badminton players, support from Badminton Oceania has played a vital role in making international competition possible.
Through development camps, coaching support, and funding pathways, players have been given opportunities to travel, compete internationally, and meet qualification requirements for major events like the World Championships.
As Andrew Fairweather explained:
“The help that Badminton Oceania has given me has been such a great support. The camps and funding have given me opportunities to go overseas and qualify for the World Championships, as well as helping me step up and improve my game.”
We look forward to seeing New Zealand’s athletes take on the world stage. Before Bahrain, the team will come together for a Badminton Oceania–hosted training camp, providing valuable preparation as they build toward the World Championships.
More details on the New Zealand team and schedules will be shared closer to the Championships.
Event Details
Event: Para Badminton World Championships
Dates: 8 - 14 February 2026
Location: Isa Sports City, Riffam Bahrain
