Yuka CHOKYU

Started: She began playing Para badminton in the early part of 2017. She previously competed in wheelchair tennis and represented Canada in the sport at multiple editions of the Paralympic Games. (paralympic.ca, 01 Jan 2023; badmintonpanam.org, 05 Dec 2018) Reason: "Badminton is a great sport. I have been playing wheelchair tennis and it was so difficult to start but Para badminton is much easier to tackle, is very fun and from the first day you will love it." (badmintonpanam.org, 05 Dec 2018) Ambition: To compete at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (cbc.ca, 26 Nov 2023) Additional Info: BADMINTON SELECTION FOR PARIS After competing in wheelchair tennis at three editions of the Paralympic Games between 2000 and 2008, she received a bipartite commission invitation to compete in badminton at the 2024 Games in Paris. In Paris she will become the second Canadian to compete in the sport after Olivia Meier, who competes in a standing category, took part in the 2020 Games. "I feel honoured to be the first athlete competing in a wheelchair to represent Canada in badminton at the Paralympic Games. I am keeping my training routine focused and will be the best I can be at the Games. I am very excited and no matter the results, I would like to bring home a smile. I want to enjoy the atmosphere because I think that's the most important." (paralympic.ca, 13 Jun 2024) MOVE TO CANADA She relocated to Canada from Japan in 1989. (paralympic.ca, 01 Jan 2023)