Para-badminton athlete takes on able-bodied players

6 hours ago

Matthew LockwoodBedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire

News image — Rob Donald has won several medals at SU5 tournaments in recent years, including a silver at the Peru Para Badminton International

Badminton England Para-badminton athlete Rob Donald stands proud with a silver medal around his neck. He is smiling and holding what appears to be a dog mascot, that is saluting, in one hand. — Rob Donald has won several medals at SU5 tournaments in recent years, including a silver at the Peru Para Badminton International

A para-badminton athlete will take on able-bodied competitors in the national championships for the first time in his career.

Rob Donald, from Stevenage, who was born without an arm, received a wild card entry and will face Neil Bhabuta at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester on Saturday.

The 23-year-old usually competes in the high profile SU5 para-badminton tournaments and has been in fine form recently.

"The chance to test myself against some of England's top badminton players is already a fantastic opportunity," said Donald.

"I hope to go out and do myself and the para-squad proud, and to prove to myself that I have what it takes to be one of the best para-badminton athletes on the globe."

In October, Donald won bronze in the men's SU5 singles at the European Para Badminton Championships in Turkey.

He then did not drop a single game on his way to the final of the Australian Para Badminton International tournament, beating Wales's Jack Wilson 21-12, 21-6, to take home a gold medal.

Donald is now the world's fifth best player in the SU5 category.

Badminton England Rob Donald, wearing black shorts and top, stretching out to hit the shuttlecock during a game of badminton. People watch the rally from blue seats in the stadium. — Rob Donald competed at the Indonesia Para Badminton International 2025

Donald lives in Sheffield, having graduated from the University of Nottingham last summer. He now plays badminton full time.

Badminton England recently launched a programme called Shuttle Stars, to inspire seven to 11-year-olds into the sport.

George Wood, Badminton England sport director, said: "Our mission is to make badminton the most inclusive and accessible sport in England and a sport for everyone.

"That starts at the very beginning by giving all children, regardless of their background, the opportunity to play badminton and develop a lifelong passion for the sport."

Donald says local wheelchair badminton player Gobi Ranganathan was an inspiration for him growing up.

"I just hope that I can be the same role model to other aspiring athletes from Stevenage as well."

After competing in Manchester, Donald's attention will turn to the Para Badminton World Championships in Bahrain.

After that? He hopes to win a medal at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.

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