Para-badminton in Austria is still very new. The Austrian Badminton Association (ABA) organized two national para-badminton tournaments in 2014 and 2015. Since 2015, regular training sessions were offered.
In addition to that, the ABA will take further measures to attract more players for para-badminton. For the first time ever, the Austrian para-badminton Nationals will take place. As a long-term goal, Austria wants to send athletes to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
Para-badminton match Austria vs. Germany
The international match against Germany will be played on the final day of the Austrian Open (27 February 2016) at 14:00 CET. This match is made possible with the cooperation between the Austrian Badminton Association and the Austrian Paralympic Committee. Austria will be represented by Henriett Koósz (pic-L), who took part in London 2012 Paralympic Games as a wheelchair tennis player and Brigitte Seyer (pic-R). They both started taking up para-badminton trainings 9 months ago.
Germany will be represented by Elke Rongen (pic-L) and Valeska Knoblauch (pic-R). They are both very experienced players and are currently ranked top 10 in the world. "The international match against Germany is the appropriate start of our international activities in para-badminton. The final day of the Austrian Open provides the right setting", says Harald Starl, President of the Austrian Badminton Association.
"The first international para-badminton match Austria vs. Germany is a historical event. Para-badminton is a very new sport in Austria. Austria - Germany is a special event in any sport. We hope to raise awareness of para-badminton through this match, to attract players to start with this fascinating discipline. Due to the high international awareness of the Austrian Open, especially in Asia, Vienna will be recognized as a city of sport.” added Thomas Herndlhofer, President of the Vienna Badminton Association.
To follow the Austrian Open and the para-badminton international match, click
here.
For draws and results of the Austrian Open, click
here.
Article by Michael Dikert, Communication Manager at ABA Photos: Team Austria by Thomas Herndlhofer, Team Germany by Herbert Rongen