“It was better than my previous match. The crowd was full. This is big for Para badminton and big for France. I think France needed this. People aren’t happy with the political situation and to see all those people shouting my name, being happy, smiling and enjoying themselves. It was magic.” – Charles Noakes (SH6)

“I’m overwhelmed with emotions. I have been waiting for this moment to compete in Paris. My coach and I have been training hard for three solid years and I’m raring to go and I can’t wait to get back on court again. I have my family and my boyfriend watch me and that means a lot. It’s hard to convey how special this in English but I’ll give it a go, ha ha.” – Helle Sofie Sagoy (SL4)

“It’s my first time at the Paralympics and Paris and I’m having a great time. My family have come to see me, it’s been so great. I hope to see some of city, especially the Eiffel Tower and shopping if I have time.” – Mamiko Toyoda (SU5)

“It’s been incredible to be here. It’s my fourth Paralympic Games and my first time competing in Para badminton. I have enjoyed playing in front of a packed audience. I’m friends with Sujirat (Pookkham). She always has lovely things to say.” – Yuka Chokyu (WH1)

“I’m so happy to be in the semifinal. Wow, what a great feeling. I want to thank my partner, Jeong (Jaegun), he’s the positive and happy one. Me, I’m the negative one, ha ha. I was so happy to not be in a group with China. They are really strong. You can’t make any mistakes.” – Yu Sooyoung (WH2)

“I’m happy I made it to the semifinals. I’m really relieved. Now is the time for battle.” – Daisuke Fujihara (SL3)

“Liu Yutong is my inspiration, she is so strong mentally. Off court I’m older and give her advice, but on court she is like my senior and gives me advice.” – Li Hongyan (WH2)

“I like playing online games. In China, there’s a very popular one called ‘Honor Kings’ and I enjoy playing that when I have free time outside of Para badminton training.” – Yang Qiu Xia (SU5)

“I had torn my ACL in 2022 and I was doing everything I could to qualify for Paris 2024. I put off the surgery a few times. It’s so important to me to be here at the Paralympics. I know Carolina Marin tore her ACL for a third time so the thing I would say is the teach yourself patience. She’ll recover and she’ll be okay.” – Tarun Tarun (SL4)

“I gave it my best. Playing both singles and doubles matches can really take it out of you but I hope to put all my focus now into the mixed doubles with Rina Marlina.” – Subhan Subhan (SH6)

“Eugene, my guide dog has a locker room just for him while I’m playing, so he can rest and not be disturbed by anybody. I really love the crowd. I’m used to playing in front of a lot of people. It reminds me of a concert.” – Milena Surreau (SL4)

“I am having fun playing in Paris. My son isn’t here, he just turned two and he’s at home with my husband and I talk to my little boy on video call everyday. I’m looking forward to seeing him after the Paralympics.” – Leani Ratri Oktila

“I got a tattoo after the Tokyo Paralympics and now I’m thinking about getting a Paris 2024 one. I don’t want the Eiffel Tower. Too many people have that but I need to book the appointment because the tattoos are free in the Paralympic Village.” – Cathrine Rosengren

“It’s a step forward to the semis and a medal. This is my last international event and I’m not super nervous or stressed.” – Chan Ho Yuen Daniel (WH2)