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Badminton Australia Launches Future Para Falcons Program

 

Badminton Australia is pleased to announce the launch of the Future Para Falcons, a new national Para badminton development program designed to support talented Para athletes and accelerate their progression within the high‑performance pathway. 

The Future Para Falcons program sits within Badminton Australia’s Para performance pathway and provides a direct development pathway into the Para Falcons program, supporting athletes as they work towards Paralympic representation. 

Supporting Emerging Para Talent 

The Future Para Falcons provides emerging Para badminton athletes with enhanced development opportunities and increased exposure to national performance environments. The initiative strengthens the transition between community participation and high‑performance programs, supporting athletes as they prepare for the demands of elite Para badminton. 

Through the program, selected athletes will benefit from: 

  • Targeted development and training opportunities 
  • Exposure to national performance planning, standards and expectations 
  • Increased connection to Badminton Australia’s high‑performance system 
  • A clearly identified pathway toward selection in the Para Falcons program 

Selected Athletes – Future Para Falcons 

The following athletes have been selected for the Future Para Falcons program: 

  • Katelyn Colley – Western Australia – SH6 
  • Caitlin Dransfield – Western Australia – SL3 
  • Remi Foster – Victoria – SL4 
  • Zashka Gunson – South Australia – SL4 
  • Nang Van Nguyen – Western Australia – WH1 
  • Michael Simpkins – Victoria – SU5 

Selections are based on demonstrated potential, commitment to development, and alignment with Badminton Australia’s Para Athlete Performance Pathway. 

Para Athlete Performance Pathway 

The launch of Future Para Falcons coincides with the release of Badminton Australia’s new Para Athlete Performance Pathways document. This resource outlines the structured pathway through which Para badminton athletes can progress, from early development through to Paralympic representation. 

The document provides clarity on: 

  • Key stages of athlete development 
  • Entry points into Badminton Australia programs 
  • Expectations at each level of the pathway 

View the Para Athlete Performance Pathways document here.   

The Future Para Falcons is an important step in strengthening Australia’s Para badminton pathway and aims to support the wider high-performance system, including SIS/SAS para units. By providing a clear pathway into the Para Falcons program, Badminton Australia aims to build depth, consistency, and long‑term success within Para badminton. Badminton Australia looks forward to working closely with athletes, coaches, and state and territory associations to support the growth of Para badminton across the country.

 

Badminton Australia Welcomes David Carrington and Lyndelle Zuccolin to the Board

Badminton Australia is pleased to welcome David Carrington and Lyndelle Zuccolin to the Board of Directors.

David brings over 20 years of experience as a General Counsel and Company Secretary, having advised boards and executive teams across the sport, charity, health and government sectors. Based in Melbourne, he is known for his pragmatic, solutions-focused approach to governance. David is a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia and currently supports a number of sporting organisations through his consultancy, Carrington Legal. His expertise spans corporate governance, risk management, privacy and child safety – key areas for the continued growth and integrity of the sport.

‘I’m delighted to be joining the BA board, having served on its Integrity and Governance committee for the last 12 months,’ David shared. ‘I look forward to contributing my experience in support of integrity, safeguarding, and sound oversight – values that are critical to a safe, trusted, and sustainable national sport.’

Lyndelle is a strategic and values-driven executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience across not-for-profit, commercial and elite sport sectors. She brings strong governance and financial expertise, alongside a proven track record in driving organisational growth and transformation. Lyndelle has held National Sporting Organisation board and committee roles across finance, audit and risk, and marketing portfolios, and is also the Founder and Managing Director of strategic consultancy Just Add Colour. Her experience in stakeholder engagement, partnerships and sustainable growth will be a valuable asset to the organisation.

“I’m honoured to join the Board of Badminton Australia and look forward to working collaboratively with the Board, management, and the badminton community.  I’m passionate about strong leadership and sustainable growth, and I look forward to supporting the organisation’s strategic priorities and long‑term success,” Lyndelle added.

Badminton Australia looks forward to the contributions David and Lyndelle will make in supporting the organisation’s strategic priorities and continued development of the sport nationwide.

Badminton Australia Releases 2026 Falcons Selection Framework and Guidance

Badminton Australia has released the Falcons Selection Framework and Guidance for 2026, outlining a clearer and more transparent approach to how athletes are selected and supported within the high-performance system.

This document is designed to bring consistency to the selection process, while helping athletes and coaches better understand what it takes to progress through the Falcons program and represent Australia internationally.

Athletes and their coaches, in collaboration with BA High Performance staff, will assess progress through the Individual Performance Plan process, identifying key development areas and benchmarking performance against national and international standards for their age and stage.

Key Features:

Three-Tier Falcons Structure

  • Tier 1: Athletes aligned to Olympic qualification in the current cycle
  • Tier 2: Athletes demonstrating international competitiveness
  • Tier 3: Top national athletes progressing towards international level or significant contributors to the environment

Holistic Selection Criteria

Selection decisions are based on four key factors:

  • Tournament Results
  • Training and Tournament Commitment
  • Performance Behaviours
  • Athlete Abilities (current and future potential)

Clear Expectations and Standards

The framework outlines expectations across:

  • Training volumes and competition exposure
  • Performance behaviours (Leader, Learner, Contributor, Performer, Intensity)
  • Technical, tactical & mental, physical

Defined Selection Cycles

  • Primary selection: June each year
  • Secondary review: December
  • Ongoing monitoring of performance, behaviours and commitment throughout the year

This framework supports Badminton Australia’s focus on improving international performance, accelerating athlete development and creating a clearer pathway from national level through to Olympic performance.

We’re excited to share this body of work from the High Performance team, which represents a significant step forward in creating clarity, alignment and consistency across our national system.

Click here for Badminton Australia Falcons Selection Framework and Guidance Jan 2026.pdf

Photo credit: Badmintonphoto

Shuttle Smash Brings Badminton Fun and Connection to Leisure Networks’ Active Pathways Program

Badminton Australia were pleased to connect with Leisure Networks through the Shuttle Smash program, leading to a partnership with Badminton Victoria to support the delivery of badminton within their programs. Leisure Networks is a not-for-profit community organisation that for the past 30 years has been supporting people with disabilities to be independent and connected in their community.

Leisure Networks’ Active Pathways program has quickly become a favourite among participants. The program, designed for adults aged 18 and over, offers opportunities to build fitness, confidence, and social connection through a rotating mix of sports and activities. Running every Monday from 1 pm to 4 pm, it gives participants the chance to “taste-test” a variety of sporting experiences, including pickleball, golf, gym sessions, swimming, and badminton.

“Over recent weeks, our participants were given the wonderful opportunity to experience badminton sessions, thanks to Michael from the Geelong Badminton Association,” said Zara Poole, Coordinator Community Inclusion at Leisure Networks. “The sessions have offered participants a supportive and engaging environment to learn new skills and enjoy being active together.”

Michael provided clear, practical coaching on strategic play, serving technique, overhead hitting, game rules, and on-court positioning and teamwork. Across the program, participants consistently showed enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to try everything. One participant was even recognised as the “most improved player of the day,” reflecting her progress and growing confidence.

“The badminton sessions have been about far more than technique,” Poole said. “Participants have engaged positively with peers and support workers, shown increased confidence around new people, demonstrated great teamwork and communication, embraced challenges with a positive attitude, and enjoyed rotating through games, scoring matches, and trying different roles.”

One participant, described as a “natural” due to his height, reach, and coordination, won several games with his partners and quickly grasped the rules. Another participant highlighted how much she enjoyed the encouragement from support workers and the welcoming atmosphere.

“Whether learning how to serve, rotating through short games, or taking a turn in the umpire’s seat, customers consistently reported having a fun, positive, and energetic day,” Poole added. “The combination of supportive coaching, social connection, and accessible skill development has made badminton a highlight of the Active Pathways program.”

Leisure Networks continues to offer programs that promote movement, wellbeing, and community. “Badminton has proven to be a fantastic fit for our participants,” Poole said. “We thank Badminton Australia for providing this wonderful opportunity for our programs and participants.”

Badminton Australia Announces Teams for BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2026

Media Release
Badminton Australia Announces Teams for BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2026

Melbourne, 13 March 2026

Badminton Australia is pleased to announce the athletes selected to represent Australia at the upcoming BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2026 at Horsens, Denmark, from 24 April to 3 May 2026, the world’s premier international team championships in badminton.

The prestigious tournament will see Australia’s top men’s and women’s players compete against the world’s best, proudly representing the green and gold on the international stage.

Uber Cup Team (Women)

The following athletes have been selected to represent Australia in the Uber Cup:

  • Faye Huo – NBC/NSW
  • Jesslyn Carissia – NBC/NSW
  • Tiffany Ho – NBC/NSW
  • Angela Yu – Sunnybank Hills/QLD
  • Gronya Somerville – NBC/VIC
  • Victoria Tjonadi – Roketto/NSW

Thomas Cup Team (Men)

The following athletes have been selected to represent Australia in the Thomas Cup:

  • Shrey Dhand – Rise BA/VIC
  • Ephraim Stephen Sam – Sams BA/QLD
  • Jack Yu – Sunnybank Hills/QLD
  • Andika Ramadiansyah – EBA/NSW
  • Frederick Zhao – Rise BA/VIC
  • Rizky Hidayat Ismail – KBC/NSW
  • Rishi Boopathy (Development) – Roketto/NSW

Support Staff

The teams will be supported by an experienced coaching and performance staff:

  • Leanne Choo – BA National Head Coach
  • Josh Neil – BA National Performance Manager
  • Zhou (Grace) Jiang – NBC High Performance Coach

The BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals represent one of the most prestigious events in international badminton, bringing together the world’s top badminton nations in a highly competitive team format.

Badminton Australia congratulates all selected athletes and staff and wishes the teams the very best as they prepare to represent Australia internationally.

Badminton Australia would like to sincerely thank Konec, Badminton Oceania, and anonymous donors for their invaluable support of the Thomas & Uber Cup teams. Without their support, it would not have been possible to send our teams to the Thomas & Uber Cup Finals.

For all Media enquiries, please contact Badminton Australia’s CEO, Tjitte (TJ) Weistra.

Phone: 0424979415
Email: Tjitte.Weistra@badminton.org.au
Website: www.badminton.org.au

BAHRAIN BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2026: Australians take to the World Stage

From 8–14 February in Manama, Bahrain, history was made as Australia sent its largest-ever team to the BAHRAIN BWF Para World Championships 2026. Sixteen athletes from Australia competed in the Championships, which is a competitive biennial tournament with strict entry standards. Australians faced the world’s best among the six classifications of Para Badminton (WH1, WH2, SL3, SL4, SU5, SH6), and AUS was represented in five of the six classifications, a powerful statement of the nation’s growing strength in the sport.

Team Australia 

For the five debutants (*), Bahrain delivered a first taste of elite international competition. For more experienced players, the competition offered an early proving ground on the road to the 2028 Paralympics. Badminton Australia proudly congratulates the following athletes who earned their place on the world stage: 

Qambar Ali Akhteyari
Lachlan Boulton
Hayden Braun*
Katelyn Colley
Caitlin Dransfield
Martyn Ford
Mischa Ginns
Zashka Gunson
Sarah Keenahan*
Macka Mackenzie
Grant Manzoney
Nang Van Nguyen*
Brandon Ka Nam Poon*
Arika Shetty
Celine Vinot
Bree Wright* 

* First World Championships appearance

Results 

While many Australians fought hard but exited during the group stages, several athletes pushed deep into the draw. Caitlin Dransfield (WA) led the charge, reaching the SL3 Women’s Singles quarterfinals – Australia’s best result of the tournament. Dransfield narrowly missed out on semifinals in a gripping three-game match against China’s Yuan Haoying.  

Also advancing beyond the group stages into the Round of 16 were: 

Mischa Ginns (WH2 Women’s Singles) 

Zashka Gunson (SL3–SU5 Women’s Doubles) 

Macka Mackenzie (WH1 Women’s Singles) 

Grant Manzoney (WH2 Men’s Singles) 

Arika Shetty (SL4 Women’s Singles)  

Celine Vinot (SL3 Women’s Singles; SL3–SU5 Women’s Doubles) 

Bree Wright (WH1 Women’s Singles) 

The Team Behind the Players 

Backing the athletes was Badminton Australia’s largest-ever Para World Championships support team, including: 

  • Para High Performance Manager – Olivia Knowles
  • Head Coach – Ian Bridge
  • Para Performance Support Specialist – Stephen Hadlow
  • Team Physiotherapist – Brooke Bakaric
  • Assistant Coaches – Thomas Champion & Victoria Wang 

With growing depth and experience, Australia has made one thing clear: our players belong on the world stage. Focus now turns locally to the National Championships, the breeding ground of future success, where many of these players started their Para Badminton journeys. The Yonex Australian Para Badminton National Championships are set to take place in Altona, Victoria on 29-31 May 2026.

Check out the photos from the event! (Photo credit: BWF / https://media.npc.bh)

BA Welcomes Tim Burke As National Integrity Manager

Badminton Australia is pleased to announce the appointment of Tim Burke as the new National Integrity Manager.

Tim brings a wealth of experience in sport integrity and education including two decades in anti-doping, five years in school drug education and a wide mix of senior appointments in state government and not-for-profit organisations.

Most recently, Tim has applied his skills in the youth justice system, supporting interventions aimed at addressing and preventing offending behaviour. With a career involving anti-doping roles at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games, Tim is excited to reconnect with the sport sector.

“Sport is such an integral feature of the Australian landscape and lifestyle,” Tim said.

“It brings joy, friendships, challenge and inspires excellence for many people. Sport has not always been a safe, inclusive and fair environment and I’m deeply motivated to continue the great work already established at BA to maintain integrity for all members and participants at all levels.”

Tim will commence in the role on 23 February, 2026.

Australia Shines at the 2026 VICTOR Oceania Championships

Australia delivered a strong overall performance at the 2026 VICTOR Oceania Badminton Championships in Auckland, producing winning results across both the team championships and individual events.

Team Championships

Australia enjoyed a successful campaign across the Men’s, Women’s and Mixed Team Championships, demonstrating depth and consistency throughout the competition.

The Women’s Team showed composure in key matches, with decisive performances across singles and doubles ensuring a strong result in the championship tie. The victory also secures their place at the BWF World Women’s Team Championships in Denmark later this year.

In the Men’s Team Championships, Australia once again proved difficult to overcome, with important wins across all disciplines contributing to their overall success and qualification outcome. The win secured Australia’s fourth consecutive men’s team title and earned qualification for this year’s BWF World Men’s Team Championships.

Across the team events, Australia’s performances reflected a high standard of preparation and execution throughout the championships.

Individual Championships

Australian players also featured prominently during the individual championships, with several athletes delivering strong performances on finals day.

In Men’s Singles, Shrey Dhand claimed the title following a demanding final, displaying resilience and physical endurance over the course of the match.

The experienced pairing of Gronya Somerville and Angela Yu continued their successful partnership in Women’s Doubles, producing a composed performance to secure the championship.

Australia also topped the podium in Men’s Doubles, with Rizky Hidayat and Jack Yu combining effectively throughout the tournament.

In Mixed Doubles, Andika Ramadiansyah and Angela Yu worked well together to claim the title after a solid finals performance.

Australia was also represented in the Women’s Singles final, with Tiffany Ho delivering a determined performance on the championship stage.

Full results

Team Events: https://bwfbadminton.com/tournament/5638/victor-oceania-mens-and-womens-team-championships-2026/results/podium

Individual Events: https://bwfbadminton.com/tournament/5639/victor-oceania-championships-2026/results/

(Photo Source: Badminton Oceania)

Now Hiring: National Integrity Manager at Badminton Australia

Badminton Australia is looking for a National Integrity Manager (0.8 FTE) to help make our sport safer, fairer and more inclusive for everyone involved.

This role is part‑time and based in Melbourne (preferred but flexible for the right candidate). As National Integrity Manager you will be responsible for embedding the National Integrity Framework and related policies across the sport, ensuring participants can take part with confidence. You will provide advice and guidance on integrity and complaint matters, manage the complaint resolution process, work closely with Sport Integrity Australia, and help develop and deliver education and integrity resources.

Key duties include:

  • Managing complaints and working with Sport Integrity Australia and member organisations.
  • Implementing and maintaining integrity policies and processes.
  • Building trusted relationships with stakeholders across the sport.
  • Developing and delivering integrity education programs.

Successful applicants will have strong communication skills, ability to handle sensitive matters professionally, and experience in sport governance, policy or related fields. Working with Vulnerable People clearance and a National Police Check are required.

For the full role description and details, see the job listing here: Full description via Sportspeople.

To apply: Email your CV and Cover Letter to Badminton Australia CEO, Tjitte (TJ) Weistra.

Australians Ready for Bahrain BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2026

Australia’s para badminton athletes are preparing to compete on the world stage next week at the Bahrain BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2026, running from 7-14 February.

The Australian squad is heading to Manama with a strong and diverse squad, ready to compete against the world’s best in one of the most prestigious events on the para badminton calendar.

This event is a key milestone in the lead-up to future Paralympic cycles, offering crucial world ranking opportunities and high-level international competition.

“Having sixteen athletes competing in the Para Badminton World Championships is a major achievement for Australia, and this group being led by our Para Falcons adds an extra level of strength and experience. Our players have been working hard in preparation for this benchmark event, and are motivated and ready to compete against the best in the world,” said Badminton Australia National Para Performance Manager and Team Manager, Olivia Knowles.

Of the 16 athletes selected, eight are Para Falcon athletes, reflecting the success of the Para Falcon program in supporting high performance para badminton athletes.

Matches and results can be followed live via the official event draw and results page: https://bwfbadminton.com/tournament/5605/bahrain-bwf-para-badminton-world-championships-2026/info

Australian Players:

Martyn Ford
WH1 Men’s Singles
WH1-WH2 Men’s Doubles (with Grant Manzoney)

Nang Van Nguyen
WH1 Men’s Singles
WH1-WH2 Men’s Doubles (with Hayden Braun)

Bree Wright
WH1 Women’s Singles
WH1-WH2 Mixed Doubles (with Qambar Ali Akhetyari)
WH1-WH2 Women’s Doubles (with Mischa Ginns)

Macka Mackenzie
WH1 Women’s Singles
WH1-WH2 Mixed Doubles (with Grant Manzoney)

Grant Manzoney
WH2 Men’s Singles
WH1-WH2 Men’s Doubles (with Martyn Ford)
WH1-WH2 Mixed Doubles (with Macka Mackenzie)

Qambar Ali Akhetyari
WH2 Men’s Singles
WH1-WH2 Mixed Doubles (with Bree Wright)

Mischa Ginns
WH2 Women’s Singles
WH1-WH2 Women’s Doubles (with Bree Wright)
WH1-WH2 Mixed Doubles (with Marcelo Alves Conceicao [BRA])

Celine Vinot
SL3 Women’s Singles
SL3-SU5 Women’s Doubles (with Zashka Gunson)

Caitlin Dransfield
SL3 Women’s Singles

Lachlan Boulton
SL4 Men’s Singles

Brandon Poon
SL4 Men’s Singles
SL3-SU5 Mixed Doubles (with Zashka Gunson)

Zashka Gunson
SL4 Women’s Singles
SL3-SU5 Mixed Doubles (with Brandon Poon)
SL3-SU5 Women’s Doubles (with Celine Vinot)

Arika Shetty
SL4 Women’s Singles

Katelyn Colley
SH6 Women’s Singles
SH6 Women’s Doubles (with Sarah Keenahan)

Sarah Keenahan
SH6 Women’s Singles
SH6 Women’s Doubles (with Katelyn Colley)

Hayden Braun
WH2 Men’s Singles
WH1-WH2 Men’s Doubles (with Nang Van Nguyen)

Australian Team Officials in Attendance:

Olivia Knowles – National Para Performance Manager / Team Manager

Ian Bridge – National Para Head Coach

Stephen Hadlow – Para Performance Support Specialist

Tom Champion – Assistant Coach

Victoria Wang – Assistant Coach

Brooke Bakaric – Physio/Medical Lead

Stay tuned to Badminton Australia’s social media channels for more content and updates from all the action in Bahrain.