Mapasa to Play Badminton in Paris

NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) athlete Setyana Mapasa, along with Angela Yu and Tiffany Ho have been announced as Australia’s badminton team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Australian National Championships in Bendigo today.

Tokyo Olympian Mapasa will contest the women’s doubles with partner Yu, with Ho competing in the women’s singles in badminton, the fastest racquet sport in the world.

Yu continues a strong family connection, with her mother He Tian Tang winning Olympic badminton bronze in 1996 for China.

Yu and Mapasa are currently the 16^th ranked women’s doubles team in the world on the Olympic qualifying ranking and won the 2024 Oceania Championships.

The team will be led by Head Coach, Olympian Leanne Choo – the first female head coach of Badminton Australia.

Deputy Chef de Mission for the 2024 Australian Olympic Team Kyle Vander-Kuyp announced the team’s selection at the Bendigo Eaglehawk Badminton Association Centre on day four of the Badminton National Championships.

“Congratulations to Angela, Setyana and Tiffany on being officially selected to compete in Paris,” Mr Vander-Kuyp said.

“It’s special to be able to announce these athletes at the national championships, in front of the Badminton community. This is a great day to celebrate not just for these three athletes, but the families, friends, coaches, support staff and everyone at Badminton Australia.

“We look forward to seeing you proudly represent Australia in Paris in just 71 days’ time.”

Tokyo 2020 athlete Mapasa was thrilled to return to the Olympic arena.

“After going to Tokyo 2020, I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to compete at another Olympic Games against the best badminton players in the world.

“I’m very proud to represent Australia dressed in green and gold and I can’t wait to get onto court in Paris.”

Setyana Mapasa

Twenty-six-year-old Sydneysider Tiffany Ho said watching the Beijing 2008 Opening Ceremony on TV inspired her Olympic dream – one which she will live out in Paris in July.

“In my head, I’ve always felt like a small person with a massive dream of qualifying for the Olympics,” Ho said. “Now that I’ve achieved it, it feels incredibly surreal.”

“The countless hours of training, the ups and downs throughout my badminton career with everyone’s support has gotten me to where I am today.

“Competing at Paris 2024 alongside the world’s best athletes is a dream come true. Having my family and friends there to support me, especially those who will be watching me play live for the first time is the cherry on top.”

Olympic debutant Yu said she was proud to have the opportunity to build on her family’s Olympic legacy.

“I’m very grateful to have the chance to represent Australia and compete at Paris 2024,” she said.

“Having the opportunity to follow my mum’s footsteps to an Olympic Games has always been a life-long dream. Thank you to my coaches, Badminton Australia, my family, and everyone for the ongoing support.”

Badminton Australia CEO Tjitte Weistra welcomed today’s announcement.

“Badminton Australia is immensely proud of the achievement of our three remarkable female athletes who have successfully qualified for Paris 2024 after enduring a gruelling 12-month qualifying campaign,” he said.

“The dedication and sacrifices these athletes have made, not only over the past year but throughout their entire careers starting from a young age, is truly remarkable. Earning a ticket to Paris 2024 serves as the ultimate validation of their hard work and commitment.

“Behind these three exceptional women exists an incredible support network comprising of family, friends, coaches and support services. Their collective dedication and encouragement have played an integral role in the success of our athletes.

“We can’t wait to see our athletes shine on the world stage. Their achievements exemplify the spirit of Australian sport and serve as inspiration to aspiring athletes nationwide.”

Article and image courtesy of the AOC