Vitoria-Gasteiz Prepares to Host International Parabadminton Competition
Vitoria-Gasteiz is gearing up to welcome the world’s top parabadminton athletes for the inaugural International Parabadminton Competition, taking place from March 1st to 6th, 2023. This prestigious event, held at the Zabalgan Social Center, will serve as a qualifying tournament for the 2023 World Championships in Japan, attracting a diverse field of 180 athletes representing 35 countries across five continents.
The competition promises to be a thrilling spectacle, showcasing the skill and determination of athletes from nations like Japan, Korea, China, Australia, Peru, Brazil, and numerous European countries. The Zabalgan Social Center will be transformed into a world-class parabadminton venue,with seven courts adapted for the championship and additional seating installed to accommodate over 150 spectators.
Matches will be held daily from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, culminating in 22 exciting finals on March 6th. The event will feature some of the world’s top-ranked parabadminton players, including paralympic gold medalist pramod Bhagat, who graced the tournament’s presentation alongside local dignitaries and representatives from various organizations.
This international tournament marks a important milestone for Vitoria-Gasteiz, solidifying its position as a burgeoning hub for badminton and parabadminton. As organizers emphasize, the event will propel the city further towards becoming a recognized center for these dynamic sports.
Vitoria-Gasteiz: A Rising Star on the Parabadminton Scene?
Welcome back to the show! Today,we’re diving into the burgeoning world of parabadminton,and we have a very special guest joining us. Please join me in welcoming Paralympic gold medalist and two-time World Champion, Sina Amiri, a force to be reckoned with in the women’s SU5 category. Sina, thank you for joining us.
Sina: Thanks for having me. It’s great to be here and talk about this exciting growth in the sport.
Moderator: Now, we’ve got some exciting news out of Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. The city is hosting the inaugural International Parabadminton Competition from March 1st to 6th, serving as a critical qualifier for the 2023 World Championships in Japan.
With 180 athletes from 35 countries competing across five continents, this is shaping up to be a major event. Sina, what are your thoughts on seeing parabadminton gain such global recognition?
Sina: It’s truly amazing. when I started,these opportunities were few and far between.The fact that Vitoria-Gasteiz is stepping up to host such a prestigious tournament is a testament to the growing popularity and acceptance of parabadminton. It’s fantastic to see the sport becoming more inclusive and accessible for athletes worldwide.
Moderator: absolutely. And we can’t ignore the impact this has on athletes like yourself. Having these qualifier tournaments is a crucial steppingstone for athletes aiming for the world championships.
Sina: precisely.Every competition is a chance to improve, test your skills against the best in the world, and earn those crucial ranking points. Tournaments like this in Vitoria-Gasteiz provide a platform for athletes to showcase their talent,gain valuable experience,and,hopefully,secure their spots at the World Championships.
Moderator: The Zabalgan Social Center is being transformed into a world-class venue for the competition, with seven courts adapted for parabadminton and seating for over 150 spectators. This shows a meaningful commitment from the city. Do you think this could be a turning point for Vitoria-Gasteiz in terms of becoming a hub for badminton and parabadminton?
Sina: Without a doubt. staging a major international tournament attracts attention, inspires local interest, and potentially paves the way for future events. It’s a win-win for the sport, the city, and the athletes.
Moderator: I agree. This tournament also offers a chance to celebrate the athleticism and determination of these amazing athletes.
Now, Sina, looking ahead, what’s your biggest hope for parabadminton’s future?
Sina:
I want to see parabadminton continue to grow, attracting more athletes, sponsors, and media coverage. We need to create a sustainable and inclusive environment where every athlete has the possibility to reach their full potential. Ultimately, I dream of seeing parabadminton recognized as a fully integrated discipline alongside able-bodied badminton at events like the Olympics.
Moderator: That’s a powerful vision, Sina.Before we wrap up, I want to open the floor to our viewers. What are your thoughts on the rising popularity of parabadminton?
are you excited about this tournament in Vitoria-gasteiz? Share your comments below!
