Badminton
Overview
- Athletes use rackets to hit a shuttle over a net to compete for points.
- This is a three-game match, with the first to get 21 points winning the game, and the first to win two games winning the match.
- If the game ties at 20 points each, it is played on until one side gains two points over the other, or reaches the maximum of 30 points before the other.
Features as deaf sport
In badminton, hearing athletes rely on sound to judge their play, such as that of the shuttle being hit and the call outs from their partners. Deaf athletes, however, can only rely on their eyes. Thus, their reactions will necessarily be delayed.
In order to overcome such obstacles, deaf athletes playing doubles work to gain a deep understanding of their partner’s characteristics and playing style. They must also be sure to communicate well with their partner in sharing strategies as they determine their doubles’ rotation. To achieve smooth rotations, they take more than twice the time of hearing athletes to confirm their play alignment. Despite the obstacle of not being able to hear, they deepen their connection with their doubles partner by practicing together repeatedly. Through these efforts, they can make plays that are no different from those made by hearing athletes, which of course brings them great joy.
Event
24th Summer Deaflympics (2022, CAXIAS DO SUL)
- Singles (Men, Women)
- Doubles (Men, Women, Mixed)
- Team (Mixed)
