This year’s European Para Badminton Championships gathers 191 athletes in Istanbul, Türkiye. Spread across nine different classifications, competitors will battle for 22 sets of medals.

The tournament features some of the sport’s biggest stars. Among them is 2024 European Para Player of the Year Charles Noakes. Last summer, Noakes claimed Paralympic gold on home soil in Paris in the SH6 category, where he defeated England’s Krysten Coombs in the final. While the two won’t face each other in singles this time, they will join forces in men’s doubles. Coombs will also compete in mixed doubles, partnering with Zahra Salmanli from Azerbaijan.

Two bronze medalists from the 2024 Paralympic Games, Ilaria Olgiati of Switzerland and Helle Sofie Sagøy of Norway, are also competing. Renggli will play in WH2, while Sagøy is set for SL4.

Olympic champion Lucas Mazur is another major name in Istanbul this week. He has three chances to go for gold, competing across all three categories. In mixed doubles, he pairs with Helle Sofie Sagøy in SL3-SU5. In SU5 men’s doubles, he partners with fellow Frenchman Meril Loquette. Finally, he defends his Paralympic gold-winning category in SL4 singles.

Beyond these well-known champions, many more extraordinary athletes will take to the courts in Istanbul. We wish everyone an excellent experience and a great tournament.