Rachel Choong set to become first female to represent ParalympicsGB in badminton

Rachel Choong will become the first female to represent ParalympicsGB in badminton after being included in a four-strong squad for Paris 2024.

Returning Paralympians Dan Bethell, Krysten Coombs and Jack Shephard, who all featured when the sport made its Paralympic debut in Tokyo three years ago, have been selected alongside Choong.

The 30-year-old, a 10-time world champion and currently ranked fourth in the world, will compete in the SH6 women’s singles, which has been added to the Games’ schedule.

Choong said: “I was in Tokyo as a commentator – it was amazing to be inside the arena and see it all, but strange to be at a competition and not playing.

“To have the opportunity to perform on the Paralympic stage is surreal and so special. It is what I have been striving towards since I started playing, back when we were in sports halls in front of not many spectators.”

World number one Bethell claimed ParalympicsGBs first-ever medal in the sport when he won silver in the SL3 men’s singles at the rescheduled Tokyo Games in 2021, with Coombs earning bronze in the SH6 men’s singles.

Shephard joins Coombs in the SH6 men’s singles draw and will partner Liverpudlian Choong in the SH6 mixed doubles, an event which did not feature in the Tokyo programme. The pair are currently number one in the world rankings.

Penny Briscoe, ParalympicsGB’s chef de mission for Paris 2024 said: “I’m delighted to welcome Daniel, Jack and Krysten back to the ParalympicsGB team bound for Paris later this summer, and of course absolutely thrilled that Rachel now has the opportunity to showcase her amazing talent and character as the first female badminton player to represent ParalympicsGB.

“Our four athletes have all shown tremendous ability simply in securing their places in the team and I look forward to seeing what they can achieve at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.”

A total of around 230 athletes from 19 sports are expected to make up the British team that will compete in Paris, with further names to be announced by ParalympicsGB in the next few weeks.

At Tokyo 2020, ParalympicsGB finished second in the overall medals table with 41 gold, 38 silver and 45 bronze.