Who can play doubles in para badminton?
A · Advanced · Court and competition · 2 of 3Singles entries are for one class; a more impaired player may enter up. Doubles are played in WH1-WH2, SL3-SU5 and SH6, and pairs may not exceed a class point total: 3 for wheelchair pairs and 8 for SL3-SU5. Both partners must confirm an entry; otherwise each is treated as partner wanted and paired by lot.
How it works
- Singles: one class per entry.
- Wheelchair doubles: WH1 with WH1 or WH2; 3 points.
- SL3-SU5 doubles: 8 points.
- SH6 doubles: men's, women's and mixed.
- Men's SL3-SU5: since 15 February 2026.
- Partner wanted: paired by lot.
- Re-entries: after classification, in writing.
- Moving down: the referee may move a player to their own class.
The glossary has the entry by class, the doubles class limit, the doubles partner wanted, the re-entries, the moving down to own class and the para badminton events.
Tricky cases
Can two WH2 players pair in doubles?
No. That totals 4, over the cap.
Can two SL4 players pair?
Yes. That totals 8.
A partner does not confirm the entry. Result?
Both become partner wanted.
Can a pair split after classification?
Yes, as a re-entry.
Why the rule exists
The points cap stops pairs of the least impaired players dominating. Moving players down keeps their own class event running.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelchair doubles | 3 points | G 8.8.2.1 |
| SL3-SU5 doubles | 8 points | G 8.8.2.2 |
| SH6 doubles | Class only | G 8.8.2.5 |
From the rule book
BWF, Para Badminton General Competition Regulations, version 7.0 (8 November 2025), Regulations 8.8 to 8.10. Checked 14 October 2026. Official documents: BWF Statutes, Sections 4.1 and 5.5.