Team ParaChile returned home from the Para Badminton World Cup in Bahrain with a bronze medal, a landmark achievement for the nation’s para-badminton program. The championships, held from February 8th to 14th, saw Jaime Aránguiz and Makarena Arriagada represent Chile on the world stage.

Historic First Appearance

This marked the first time Chile participated in the highest level of para-badminton competition, with Aránguiz and Arriagada earning their spots among the world’s top 32 players in their respective classes.

Aránguiz and To Claim Mixed Doubles Bronze

The bronze medal was secured by Jaime Aránguiz in the mixed doubles competition, partnering with Belgium’s Man Kei To. The duo entered the competition as the world number one in the WH1-WH2 class.

They dominated the group stage, winning 21-10 and 21-3 against Egypt’s Mohamed Rashad and a double 21-8 victory over Brazil’s Julio César Godoy and Daniele Torres.

After a bye in the round of 16, Aránguiz and To faced a tough quarterfinal match against Thailand’s Kittichai Rakjaingam and Onanong Phraikaeo, ultimately prevailing 21-19 and 21-18.

“In the semifinal round, Aránguiz and To faced the Indian duo made up of Prem Kumar Ale and Alphia James, falling by sets of 14-21 and 15-21, winning the bronze medal.”

The gold medal went to China’s Zimo Qu and Yutong Liu, who defeated the Indian pair 21-6 and 21-4.

Strong Singles Performance from Aránguiz

Aránguiz also competed in the WH2 men’s singles, reaching the quarterfinals. He showcased a strong performance in the group stage, winning all three of his matches.

He defeated India’s Manjunatha Chikkaiah 21-6 and 21-9, Saudi Arabia’s Mahdi Almakinah 21-6 and 21-6, and Brazil’s Julio César Godoy 21-11 and 25-23.

A 21-7 and 21-5 victory over Australia’s Grant Manzoney in the round of 16 secured his place in the quarterfinals.

“To advance to the semifinals, Aránguiz faced world number 4, South Korean Sooyoung Yu, falling by sets of 9-21 and 14-21.”

Japan’s Daiki Kajiwara ultimately claimed the singles title, defeating Yu in the final 23-21 and 21-13.

Arriagada Makes World Championship Debut

Makarena Arriagada made her debut at the Para Badminton World Championships, competing in the SU5 ladies’ singles class. Despite facing tough competition, she gained valuable experience.

Arriagada (30th in the world) lost to Portugal’s Beatríz Monteiro (3rd in the world) 4-21 and 2-21, and to Italy’s Rosa de Marco (11th in the world) 4-21 and 5-21, preventing her from advancing to the elimination phase.

China’s Qiuxia Yang won the SU5 ladies’ singles title, defeating India’s Manisha Ramdass 21-18 and 21-17 in the final.

Looking Ahead

This championship represents a significant step forward for para-badminton in Chile, demonstrating the nation’s growing potential in the sport. The team’s performance is expected to inspire future generations of para-athletes.

FAQ

• When and where were the championships held? The 2026 Para Badminton World Championships were held in Manama, Bahrain, from February 8th to 14th.
• What medal did Team ParaChile win? Team ParaChile won a bronze medal in the mixed doubles competition.
• Who won the gold medal in mixed doubles? China’s Zimo Qu and Yutong Liu won the gold medal in mixed doubles.