The Kingdom of Bahrain will host the 2026 World Paralympic Badminton Championships – Bahrain from February 7 to 14 in the capital, Manama, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee. The hosting agreement was signed between His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Daij Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Paralympic Committee, and Ms. Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, President of the Badminton World Federation (BWF). The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Ali Mohammed Al Majed, Secretary General of the Bahrain Paralympic Committee, and Dr. Sawsan Taqwi, President of the Bahrain Badminton and Squash Federation. During the signing ceremony, the championship logo was inaugurated, the idea of which was inspired by the inner shape of an airplane shuttlecock, combined with geometric patterns consistent with the designs used in traditional Bahraini wooden doors, to reflect the identity of the Kingdom of Bahrain and embody the authenticity of its architectural and cultural heritage. His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Daij Al Khalifa expressed his pride in the confidence bestowed by the Badminton International Federation on the Kingdom of Bahrain, stressing that hosting this tournament represents an extension of the Kingdom’s successful journey in organizing international sporting events, especially in the field of Paralympic sports. He pointed out that the Bahrain Paralympic Committee successfully organized five previous international Paralympic badminton tournaments. His Excellency stressed that choosing Bahrain to host the tournament reflects its high reputation and high organizational efficiency, praising the great support of His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs, President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, who had the most prominent role in the development of Bahraini sports, especially Paralympic sports. He also praised the continued support of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, which had a great impact in achieving sporting successes and enhancing Bahrain’s position on the international sports scene. For her part, Ms. Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, President of the International Badminton Federation, expressed her happiness with the signing of the agreement, saying: “We are pleased to announce that the Kingdom of Bahrain will host the 2026 Paralympic Badminton World Championships, which is the first world championship in this sport to be held in the region.” She added: “This event represents a historic milestone in the Paralympic badminton journey, and evidence of Bahrain’s commitment and support to the Paralympic movement and promoting the concept of “Sports for All.” She concluded by saying: “We are confident that Bahrain, with its proven record in professional and precise organization, and the comprehensive and integrated sports environment it provides, will provide an inspiring platform for our athletes, and will contribute to expanding the spread of this sport in the Middle East and the world.”
