The success stories from Tokyo 2020 have spurred a new generation of young athletes at the Thailand Para Badminton International 2023 aiming for Paralympic glory.

Yuki Roberto Rodrigues (Brazil)

“It’s a dream to be part of this community,” said the 21-year-old, who used to be a track and field athlete in 100m, 200m and long jump. On his daily run six years ago, he came across some people playing badminton and decided to give it a shot.

He is now sponsored by the SESI Club Sao Paolo, which supports his training needs with coaching, psychological, medical and physiotherapy assistance.

“Everything I need to achieve my goal.”

Rodrigues plays in the Standing Upper (SU5) class and cites Malaysia’s Cheah Liek Hou as his toughest opponent.

“But Kento Momota is one of the best,” he says. His other sporting heroes are footballers Neymar and Christiano Ronaldo and retired sprint legend Usain Bolt.

Lochan Cowper (Australia)

“Badminton is easier for me,” said Cowper, 20, who also plays basketball and tennis. One of 11 players on the Australian team in Pattaya, Cowper is classified as WH1 (Wheelchair) and plays men’s singles and doubles as well as mixed doubles.

“I played my first tournament at 13 after I met Ian (Bridges) at a badminton camp in Western Australia. I want to continue playing.”

Maria Guadalupe Rojas Perez (Mexico)

“I’ve become very confident after discovering badminton. When I train I have fun and it helps me de-stress,” said Rojas Perez, who found badminton when she was practicing gymnastics in the gym next door.

Rojas Perez has been classified as SL3 (Standing Lower) and is playing in her second international event.

“I get nervous because I’m new to this and my opponents are experienced. I’m impressed by the Chinese, Indian, Japanese and Indonesian players. I don’t know how much time I need to get to that level but I’m only 17 so for now I know I have to keep working hard at this. It helps that I love the sport.”

Róbert KertÉsz (Hungary)

“I’m the new guy and my mind is blowing up just watching how good these other players are,” said Kertesz, 25, who plays in the SL4 (Standing Lower) category.

Not quite a newbie to the sports world, Kertesz represented Hungary in Sitting Volleyball and was voted MVP after the team won the European Championships in 2022.

“I made the switch to a solo sport to achieve my dream of becoming a Paralympian,” he adds. “I lost my leg in a motorcycle accident at 11 years old. Maybe that’s the reason I always want to be the best at everything and finish at the top.”

This is only his second tournament after he participated in Dubai last year.

“It’s amazing to be among so many people who walk in my shoes.”