The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games are round the corner, and we look at the top stars in each category.

Here are the prominent names to look out for in the Standing Lower (SL3, SL4) class at Paris 2024, due to start Thursday 29 August 2024.

Daniel Bethell (SL3, Great Britain)

Despite having won several international titles, Bethell has missed a world or Paralympic title in his collection. This could be his big chance, for he will arrive in Paris having won the 4 Nations Para Badminton International in June without dropping a game.

Lucas Mazur (SL4, France)

Among the most accomplished Para badminton players, the left-handed Mazur is an imposing 6 ft 3”. Three-time world champion and reigning Paralympics gold medallist, the Frenchman comes to Paris with back-to-back titles in Toledo and Glasgow.

Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj (SL4, India)

Yathiraj’s rivalry with Mazur has become a feature of men’s singles SL4. While Mazur is ahead 10-3, Yathiraj does pose his stiffest threat to a second Paralympics gold. The Indian had the momentum in the Tokyo 2020 final but let it slip; this year he beat Mazur in the semifinals of the Para Badminton World Championships and went on to claim his first world title.

Cheng He Fang (SL4, China)

With two World Championships singles gold medals, back-to-back Asian Para Games titles and the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics gold, Cheng is the standout competitor in women’s singles SL4. Like other Chinese teammates, she comes to Paris having played only one event this year, the World Championships, which she won comfortably without dropping a game.

Leani Ratri Oktila (SL4, Indonesia)

Perhaps the biggest name in Para badminton over several years for her ability to excel in singles, doubles and mixed doubles. At Tokyo 2020 she played all three finals, winning two. Her career resume overflows with titles; the notable ones being six World Championships gold medals from nine finals. At this year’s World Championships she once again featured in three finals, losing only the singles. She arrives in Paris having won the singles and mixed at the 4 Nations PB International in Glasgow.

Wojtek Czyz (SL3, New Zealand)

It is not so much for his exploits in Para badminton that Wojtek Czyz will be the cynosure. The New Zealander, who earlier represented Germany, was renowned for his exploits as a sprinter and long-jumper long before took up Para badminton competitively; in his earlier career he won no less than four gold medals (seven medals in total) from three Paralympics. Given his accomplishments, Czyz has already become a sought-after voice in Para badminton.

Also Read:

Paris 2024: Wheelchair Stars to Watch
Paris 2024: Standing Upper Stars to Watch