Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, May 6: The 6th Fazza Dubai Para Badminton International commenced at the Shabab Al Ahli Club on Tuesday, with India fielding the largest contingent, despite the absence of some top stars preparing for the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

Among the 150 athletes from 30 nations participating are Tokyo 2020 Paralympic champion Krishna Nagar (men’s SH6), Asian Para Games medallist Sukant Kadam (men’s SL4), Mandeep Kaur (women’s SL3), and many more. These shuttlers will compete alongside top athletes from around the world.

Leading the star-studded field is Malaysia's Cheah Liek Hou (SU5), the Paris 2024 hopeful. He will be joined by his men’s doubles partner Muhammad Fareez Anuar, with whom he won the gold medal at the Pattaya 2024 World Championships in the SL3-SU5 category.

South Korea’s seasoned players, including Paris 2024 silver medallist Choi Jungman (men’s WH1) and bronze medallist Kim Jungjun (men’s WH2), will also be in action, aiming for gold as China is absent from the competition.

Hong Kong’s three-time World champion and Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games gold medallist Chu Man Kai will be among the top contenders, with his partner Wong Chun Yim, also an Asian Para Games medallist.

The UAE’s challenge will be led by Jamal Khalifa Al Bedwawi, who recently won UAE’s first international medal in Para Badminton with a bronze at the Czech Para Badminton International 2025. Along with his Dubai Club teammates Siham Alrasheedy (women’s singles WH2) and debutant Omair Mohammed (men’s singles WH1), Al Bedwawi will compete in mixed doubles and men’s doubles events. Additionally, Sinan Asif will represent the UAE in the men’s SU5 category across three events.

This event serves not only as a platform for seasoned stars to gain world ranking points but also as an opportunity for newcomers to secure classification. The Fazza Dubai Para Badminton International has established itself as a premier event on the BWF calendar due to its continued success and significance.