The long-awaited global sporting event, the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games , are about to capture the hearts and minds of millions of French people and sports fans around the world. Taking place from July 26 to August 11 for the Olympics, then from August 28 to September 8, 2024 for the Paralympics, these games promise to dazzle the entire planet with top-level athletic performances. Among the many sports on show, badminton and para-badminton are two disciplines attracting particular attention...
Paris 2024 Paralympic Games: which channel to watch para-badminton on TV?
Badminton and para-badminton fans, couldn't get a ticket for the events at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games? Good news: you can follow them on TV! On which channels and at what time can you watch the events? We tell you all about it! [Read more]
The Paris 2024 Olympic Games are over... Make way for the Paralympic Games! And with them the medals that fall one after the other... Who are the badminton medallists of these games? We take stock! [Read more]
Badminton, although widely recognized today as a dynamic sport requiring speed and reflexes, has its roots in ancient games played over 2,000 years ago in Asia. It evolved from games such as ti jian zi in China, where players used their feet instead of rackets to propel a shuttlecock. However, it was in India that the game took on a form similar to the one we know today, under the name of Poona.
British officers stationed in India in the 19th century discovered the game and brought it back to England. There it was introduced as"Badminton", named after the Duke of Beaufort 's residence where the game was first played. The basic principle of badminton is simple: two or four players exchange a shuttlecock, using rackets, over a net, seeking to land it in the opponent's half-court without the opponent being able to return it. Speed and strategy are essential, as the shuttlecock, despite its light appearance, can be launched at speeds exceeding 300 km/h in the most powerful shots.
Para-badminton, a sport specially adapted for athletes with physical disabilities, was created in the 1990s by German players who sought to adapt the rules of traditional badminton. In 1995, the Para-Badminton World Federation (PBWF) was founded to structure and promote the discipline internationally, leading to the creation of the first European championship in 1998.
Para-badminton is divided into six categories, according to the type of disability of the athletes, with specific adjustments for the court and rules to suit the abilities of each player. For example, competitions for wheelchair athletes ( WH1 and WH2 categories) are played on a half-court, while athletes with lower or upper limb disabilities ( SL and SU categories) adapt their playing strategy to their physical limitations.
In France, the Fédération Française de Badminton (FFBad) oversees this discipline, regularly organizing national and regional competitions to encourage its development.
Badminton has come a long way since its first appearance at the Olympic Games. It made its Olympic debut at the Barcelona Games in 1992. Since then, the sport has seen some of the world's greatest talents battle for Olympic glory. The fast-paced, dynamic nature of the game makes it a captivating spectacle for spectators. As for para-badminton, it made its debut at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Although not traditionally considered a major badminton power, France has its own rising stars. Among them are the Popov brothers, currently France's top two badminton players, who have impressed on the international scene. They include Arnaud Merklé and Alex Lanier. Also among the world's best are Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue (ranked 8th in mixed), Margot Lambert and Anne Tran (ranked 26th) and Lucas Corvée and Ronan Labar (ranked 31st in doubles). French athletes who will be looking to make a place for themselves in the history of badminton at these Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
As far as the Paralympic Games are concerned, France can count on 8 qualifiers, including Lucas Mazur, the reigning Paralympic champion in SL4 singles, and Faustine Noël (SL4), with whom he won a silver medal in mixed doubles at the Tokyo Games. He will be joined by David Toupé (WH1), Thomas Jakobs (WH2), Milena Surreau (SL4), Maud Lefort (SU5), Méril Loquette (SU5) and Charles Noakes (SH6).
Discover the joys of badminton, the "tennis of the sky", a fast-growing sport in Paris! Combining physical training and concentration, badminton is becoming increasingly popular with Parisians. From the sport's rich heritage to its current popularity in the Paris region, delve into the world of badminton and find out where you can hone your skills in FFBaD-affiliated clubs! [Read more]
By following these Games closely, badminton fans and athletes in general can look forward to memorable moments, passionate performances and inspiring stories of determination and perseverance. Ready to follow the badminton events, folks?
Saturday, July 27
Sunday, July 28
Monday, July 29
Tuesday, July 30
Wednesday, July 31
Thursday, August 1
Friday, August 2nd
Saturday, August 3rd
Sunday, August 4th
Monday August 5th
Thursday, August 29
Friday, August 30
Saturday, August 31st
Sunday, September 1st
Monday, September 2nd
Paris 2024 Paralympic Games: which channel to watch para-badminton on TV?
Paralympic Games: who are the badminton medal winners? All results
Where can you play badminton in Paris and the Ile-de-France region?
