World Abilitysport and Badminton World Federation are pleased to confirm that Para badminton will feature on the official sport programme of the 2026 World Abilitysport Youth Games.

The Youth Games will welcome young athletes from around the world to compete over four days in venues across the picturesque coastal city of Mersin, Türkiye from 15-22 June 2026.

Para badminton joins a programme of established international pathways and innovative formats including 3×3 wheelchair basketball, adaptive sepaktakraw, Para athletics (Field), Para dance sport, Para fencing, Para sailing and Para swimming.

Para badminton first appeared on the World Abilitysport Games programme at the 2019 IWAS World Games in Sharjah, UAE, marking a significant milestone in its international development ahead of the sports Paralympic debut at Tokyo 2020. This was followed by the sports inclusion at the 2023 World Abilitysport Games which welcomed over 120 athletes to compete in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

Para badminton will now make its return at the 2026 World Abilitysport Youth Games, eligible for athletes under 21 years of age with international classification opportunities also available.

Local Organising Committee President, Serkan Baltacı said, “We are delighted to add Para badminton to the 2026 World Abilitysport Youth Games sport programme.”

“NPC Türkiye and the city of Mersin has already demonstrated its commitment to the sport through the successful hosting of the first international Para AirBadminton competition last year and we look forward to welcoming young Para badminton athletes back to Mersin and providing them with an unforgettable competition experience once again.”

Sport entries are open on the BWF entry platform here. Logistical information can be submitted from 2nd April and World Abilitysport will make contact with teams who submit their sport entries with information on this process. More information on costings and logistical details can be found at the invitation here.

For further information, please contact the Games Team on games@worldabilitysport.org