For Brandon Poon, attending the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games as a spectator was meant to be an inspiring experience. What he didn’t expect was that it would completely change the course of his life. “I didn’t even know Para badminton was a sport,” Poon recalls. Yet just a year later, he found himself competing on the world stage.
Based in Sydney, Poon is a full-time physiotherapist with a busy professional and personal life. While sport had always played a role—tennis was his main game—badminton had only been a casual pastime. That changed dramatically after Paris, thanks to the Para Badminton Athlete Participation Grant.
With support from Badminton Australia, Poon applied for the grant upon returning home. The initiative, designed to help emerging athletes, provides financial assistance for international competition and official classification, supporting the Badminton World Federation’s goal to grow Para badminton globally.
For Poon, the grant was transformative. It covered much of his travel and accommodation, making it possible for him to debut at the BWF Para Badminton World Championships in Manama, Bahrain, alongside ten other grant recipients.
“It covered a big portion of flights and accommodation,” Poon said. “Without that, it would have been hard. It’s been incredible to experience the athlete lifestyle. I met so many great people and it’s opened my eyes to the Para badminton community. Everyone is so supportive—it’s been a special experience to take home.”
Balancing a demanding career with the challenges and expenses of international sport is no small feat, but the grant eased the financial burden and made competition possible. In Manama, Poon played five matches—three in SL4 men’s singles and two in SL3-SU5 mixed doubles with Zashka Gunson. For someone who never expected to be there, the experience was unforgettable.
“I was watching these players not long ago. Now I’m on court with them. It was a great experience seeing how people play, how they move, how they construct points. I learned so much about post-match recovery, nutrition, and gym routines,” he shared.
Poon, who underwent surgery at age five for an ependymoma—a brain tumour that left him with lasting weakness on his left side—now sees Para badminton as more than just a sport. At 31, he has found a community where he truly belongs.
Other Participation Grant recipients shared similar sentiments after making their world championship debuts in Manama:
Narmin Iskandarova (SH6), Azerbaijan: “When my coach told me I’d be playing at the World Championships, I cried with joy. Competing in Bahrain gave me so much—it was a great experience and a huge motivator for me. Thank you to BWF for the grant.”
Magdalena Anna Kozera (WH2), Poland: “It was special to meet new players—some of the very best. I’ve gained so much experience and made new friends. I’m only 17 and I’ve already travelled to places I never imagined.”
New Zealand athlete: “I can’t thank Badminton New Zealand and BWF enough. The grant has been a huge help, supporting me and allowing me to pursue my journey as a player for my country. I’m forever grateful.”
For Poon and many others, the Participation Grant has opened doors to opportunity, community, and personal growth—turning dreams of competition into reality.
