International Women’s Day: Waland, Rosengren #GiveToGain

A former Dutch international who speaks five languages, Waland’s life was always destined to remain connected to badminton. After moving to Norway 30 years ago, coaching became a natural path for someone who had long enjoyed analysing the game’s technical and tactical layers. 

“Even as a player I always tried to help my teammates with tips, so I got my coaching licenses early, about 25 years ago,” she shares. 

Her introduction to Para badminton came six years ago through Helle Sofie Sagoy, now the world No.1 in SL4 women’s singles. What began as a simple partnership soon became something deeper. 

“We started from scratch,” she recalls. “It has been a fantastic learning journey for both of us.” 

That journey led to major milestones, including a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Yet Waland says the proudest part of the process is not just medals. 

“It’s how she has developed as a person – from a quite insecure girl to a confident young woman.” 

The bond between them runs so deep that Waland refers to Sagoy as “No.4” in her phone – a nod to her three daughters. 

For Waland, coaching has always been about more than results. 

“To develop a player, you must see the whole person,” she says. “Not just technique or tactics, but the personality.” 

Her passion for development now extends beyond individual players. After attending the BWF Level 1 Tutor Course in Dubai last year, Waland recently took charge of Norway’s Coach Education programme, mentoring new tutors and building a stronger coaching structure nationwide. 

She also continues to push for greater inclusion and opportunity in Para badminton – including organising Norway’s first-ever training camp specifically for female players. 

“None of us develops alone,” Waland says. “I’ve benefited from great mentors. Giving back means the next generation will have even better opportunities.” 

While Waland builds pathways from the sidelines, Rosengren is doing the same from within the athletes’ ranks. 

The two-time SU5 women’s singles European champion has become a leading voice in her sport after being elected Deputy Chair of the BWF Para Badminton Athletes’ Commission. 

For Rosengren, leadership began almost by accident. 

“When I was younger, someone suggested I run for the commission,” she recalls. “I had a lot of feedback about tournaments and organisation so I thought maybe I could help improve things.” 

What started as curiosity grew into commitment. Now in her second term, Rosengren represents players’ concerns while helping bridge the gap between athletes and administrators. 

“It’s an honour because it means the players trust you,” she says. “They come to you with their problems and ideas.” 

Balancing the role with competition brings its own challenges. As a player, she naturally wants immediate improvements. As a commission leader, she has learned change often takes time. 

Still, her motivation remains clear: making Para badminton better for everyone. 

Rosengren has witnessed the sport’s rapid evolution firsthand since she began competing in 2016. 

“Para badminton is completely different now,” she says. “It’s growing all the time.” 

Beyond on-court results, Rosengren values the sense of community that defines Para badminton. 

“We have to support and help each other,” she says. “You gain so much from that.” 

Though their roles are different, Waland and Rosengren share the same philosophy: progress happens when people invest in others. 

In return, both say the sport has given them purpose, growth and a powerful sense of community. 

For International Women’s Day, their journeys capture the true meaning of #GiveToGain – proof that when women lift others, the sport rises with them.