BENDIGO, AUSTRALIA — The courts of Bendigo Eaglehawk Badminton witnessed history from October 16–19 at the VICTOR Oceania Para Badminton Championships, where breakthrough performances highlighted the region’s growing depth in the sport.
In a first for the tournament, all five participating countries claimed at least one medal—a testament to the increasing competitiveness and inclusivity across Oceania para badminton.
Vanuatu’s Remarkable Debut
The most striking story belonged to Vanuatu’s Jacklynda Molidu, who secured her nation’s first-ever medal in the sport with a bronze-medal finish. What makes her achievement even more extraordinary: she only picked up a racket for the first time in December 2024.
Molidu credited her rapid development to learning from competitors during the championship.
“When I sit there and watch the others play, I pick up techniques and see how they play with others,” she explained. “I get ideas from them and try to put them into practice on the court.”
For Molidu, representing BWF’s newest member federation means showing what’s possible to aspiring athletes back home.
“For the others who didn’t make it here: never give up—just think ‘next time,'” she said. “Everyone can do what I can do.”
Papua New Guinea’s Golden Milestone
Papua New Guinea reached its own historic moment when Regina Edward partnered with New Zealand’s Thomas Slade to capture the SL3–SU5 mixed doubles title. Their commanding 21–16, 21–4 victory delivered PNG’s first-ever women’s para badminton gold medal.
“I’m really stoked to have met and played with Regi today,” said Slade, who travelled from Japan for the tournament. “To come all this way and get a medal is more than I could ask for.”
Edward’s joy was equally evident. “I’m so happy. I’m very proud because it’s my first time getting a medal.”
PNG’s success extended well beyond that single triumph, with the team collecting nine medals overall.
Much of the recent progress stems from the guidance of Wojtek Czyz, a former Paralympian whose coaching has been instrumental in refining PNG’s para badminton team throughout the championships. His experience has provided athletes with enhanced skills, confidence, and the international exposure needed to compete at a higher level.
With momentum firmly on their side, our Oceania teams now look ahead to future regional and global competitions, building on what has been a breakthrough championship.