The stage is set in Paris, and Lucas Mazur (SL4) has arrived to defend his title at the Paralympic Games on his home turf. Speaking to the Olympic Information Service, he expressed his excitement about competing in Paris.

“I feel very excited and proud for France to host the Paralympic Games. I look forward to playing in this beautiful arena,” he said, acknowledging the significance of the Porte de La Chapelle Arena.

Mazur knows that he must focus on the competition, despite the home support. “I know that the crowd will be supporting me. I’m excited to hear and feel this support because we have never experienced anything like this before,” he added.

The three-time world champion reflected on the camaraderie of Team France at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. “I was very proud and happy with my friends in the French team because we could hear the crowds and feel the support for the French players, even on TV. It looked amazing, and I really hope it will be the same for us.”

When asked about the challenges ahead, Mazur acknowledged the need to stay composed throughout the rollercoaster moments of the competition.

“The biggest challenge is to find a way and to accept the up-and-down moments. Sometimes I might be at my prime, and then a few moments later, I could be in a difficult situation. I have to manage both kinds of moments, so I will try to stay relaxed. I’ve had some great training in the past month, and I hope that hard work will pay off,” he said.

Reflecting on his experience at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, where Para badminton made its debut, Mazur shared what he learned: “The final in Tokyo was at the end of the Paralympics, so a lot of French staff from other Para sports came to support me. I got a bit of noise there, and it was amazing for me. I’ve never played in an arena like that before with such crowds. It’s so exciting. I’m trying to learn from the Tokyo experience. I came here without my World Championships title, so I’m looking for a comeback.”

Mazur’s biggest rival, Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj, looms large as the main obstacle between him and gold. Yathiraj denied Mazur a fourth World Championships title at the BWF Para Badminton World Championships in Pattaya back in February when he ousted Mazur in the semifinal.

“Yathiraj will be my biggest rival. We’ve faced each other many times. I guess it will be a new final for us, but right now, I’m focused on taking it step by step. First, we have the group matches, so I’m concentrating on my opponents there,” Mazur commented.

The 26-year-old remains optimistic about his form and preparations leading into the Games. “I believe I’m in good shape because I’ve worked very hard over the past weeks. Two or three months ago, I changed my coach and training location. I returned to my original training club, and it’s been a very different experience. I’ve learned a lot about myself and the environment.”

Mazur will kick off his Paralympic campaign on the opening day of Para badminton with Faustine Noel (SL3-SU5) in mixed doubles against Hikmat Ramdani and Leani Oktila Ratri.

Para badminton runs from 29 August to 2 September.

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