The 2025 European Para Badminton Championships are set to kick off in Istanbul, Türkiye, featuring 191 athletes competing across nine classifications for a total of 22 medal events. The tournament promises high-level action, showcasing both seasoned champions and rising stars in the para badminton scene.
Stars to Watch
Among the highlights is Charles Noakes, named 2024 European Para Player of the Year. The SH6 Paralympic gold medalist captured hearts last summer in Paris, defeating England’s Krysten Coombs in the final. This year, the pair will join forces in men’s doubles, while Coombs also takes part in mixed doubles, partnering with Zahra Salmanli from Azerbaijan.
Also competing are 2024 Paralympic bronze medalists Ilaria Olgiati (Switzerland) and Helle Sofie Sagoy (Norway). Olgiati will play in the WH2 classification, while Sagoy is set to compete in SL4, bringing their experience and skill to the courts in Istanbul.
Olympic Champion in Pursuit of Triple Gold
French Olympic champion Lucas Mazur adds further star power to the event. Mazur will compete across three events, aiming for multiple golds. In mixed doubles, he partners with Sagoy (SL3-SU5), while in SU5 men’s doubles, he teams up with fellow French player Meril Loquette. He also defends his SL4 singles title, having claimed gold at the last Paralympics.
A Celebration of Para Badminton
While the tournament features well-known champions, it also highlights a broad spectrum of remarkable athletes from across Europe, all bringing their own unique stories and talents. With the stage set in Istanbul, players are ready to demonstrate skill, determination, and sportsmanship at the highest level.
Fans can expect thrilling rallies, inspiring performances, and intense battles for medals over the course of the championships.