BWF Female Participation Grant Elevates Para Badminton Talent to Global Spotlight

April 2, 2024

Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) Female Participation Grant has been a game-changer for 14 extraordinary female para players, propelling them onto the global stage at the NSDF Royal Beach Cliff BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2024. One standout athlete among them is Talibah Davis (SL4), whose journey from Barbados embodies the grant’s profound impact.

The BWF Female Participation Grant offers opportunities for female athletes to apply for financial support to attend and be Internationally Classified at a number of BWF-sanctioned International tournaments annually. The grant supports the BWFs goal to increase female participation in Para badminton across all sport classes.

Davis, 22-years-old, discovered Para badminton during her school days in Barbados. Despite facing initial hurdles, her determination led her to compete in local tournaments and eventually earn a spot in the national squad. In 2024, she made history as the first Bajan para player to compete at the World Championships in Pattaya, Thailand.

Sharing her experience with BWF, Davis expressed a mix of excitement and nerves, grateful for the support from her coaches and family. Interacting with players from diverse backgrounds, she gained invaluable insights and techniques to refine her game. Davis’s journey exemplifies the grant’s role in fostering talent and providing exposure to international competition.

“I’ve been excited and a bit jittery playing against athletes from bigger nations, but it’s been an incredible experience,” Davis said after finishing her round robin matches in Group B in Pattaya. “Having the backing of my coaches and family made it possible for me to compete in Thailand.”

She added, “Interacting with other para players has been eye-opening. I’ve received advice on handling nerves and learned new techniques, which I’m eager to incorporate into my game.”

Reflecting on being the first Bajan at the World Championships, Davis remarked, “It’s a great feeling to represent my country on this stage. It shows that regardless of your circumstances, there’s a sport for you. I hope to see badminton and Para badminton thrive in Barbados.”

Another standout is Mariam Eniola Bolaji (SL3) from Nigeria, whose remarkable journey—from her debut at the Spanish Para Badminton International 2021 to collecting three gold medals at the Egypt Para Badminton International 2024—underscores the grant’s impact in empowering female athletes globally.

“I owe a lot of my success to the BWF and its programme,” Bolaji shared. “Participating in the World Championships has been a dream come true for me.”

As the BWF continues its efforts to boost female participation in para badminton, the stories of Davis and Bolaji, and their peers serve as inspiring examples. Through their grit and determination, these women have not only achieved their dreams but have also paved the way for future generations to follow.

For more information on how to apply and previous recipients, please click here.