Vitor Tavares wants to inspire next generation of Para athletes

Vitor Goncalves Tavares became a national sensation in Brazil following his historic bronze medal in Para badminton at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. It was the nation’s first ever Olympic or Paralympic medal in badminton.

Back-to-back men’s singles gold medals at Para Badminton International tournaments in Dubai and Bahrain in May have set the momentum for Tavares, and he hopes to continue in the same vein at the World Championships scheduled to take place in Bahrain next year.

“My short-term goal is to change the colour of my medal at the World Championships. I’m training very hard towards that,” said the seven-time World Championships medallist.

Smashing it to the podium

His success is a testament to determination, hard work, and unwavering discipline — transforming Tavares from a little-known player into Brazil’s most celebrated Para badminton star.

At Paris 2024, he beat Man Kai Chu 2-1 in the bronze medal match of the men's singles SH6 event en route to making history in his second Paralympic appearance. 

“I never imagined how much a medal could change lives – not just mine, but of so many young people who now see badminton as their future now.

“People know me more and about my sport, they recognise me saying that ‘Oh! I saw you on TV!’” said Tavares who was amazed to see the growth in youngsters picking up the sport.

Since his historic medal, Tavares has embarked on a new mission – to inspire the next generation through sport.

The 28-year-old Para badminton star has been visiting schools across the country, sharing his remarkable journey of resilience, discipline, and dedication.

“It’s a proud feeling but with this, responsibility comes along. I want to give the best lessons to these kids who look up to me as their inspiration.

“Visiting schools and witnessing the excitement in young faces about learning about the sport has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey,” added Tavares, who resides in Curitiba – the capital of the southern Brazilian state of Parana.

The Paris 2024 medal not only made him a household name, it sparked a surge in badminton’s popularity across the country known for its passion for football.

Growing Para badminton

There has been significant growth at the grassroots level, with over 180 athletes now competing at the national level.

The Brazilian Paralympic Committee and the Brazil Badminton Federation (CBBd) have been working closely to develop the sport with development programmes, national events and regular training camps planned in the lead-up to upcoming international competitions.

“Unlike many Asian countries, Brazil doesn’t have the badminton culture. But in the last few years, it has been growing and Tavares’ Paralympic medal has definitely helped spark the popularity of the game across Brazil and Pan America region,” said Italo Hauer, his long-time coach and now head coach of the Brazilian Para badminton team.

Hauer highlighted that Tavares’ discipline has been the striking feature of his personality.

“His discipline has been his strength over the years. After Tokyo 2020 we had a lot of discussion – listing out the aspects he needs to improve. Tavares made sure to keep a check on the list and make improvements over the time.

“In the last three years, his development in terms of his game and as a person has been amazing. He not just became a better player but definitely a better person.”

From loss to the podium

There were also other traits that Tavares has developed over the years.

Since Tokyo 2020 Games – where he missed out on a medal after losing the bronze medal match to Great Britain’s Krysten Coombs – Tavares has been working on various aspects of his game, especially on his mental strength.

“The first thing I have been working is on my mind – to keep my mind calm and just play — don’t think about anything and I’m able to take the tough calls during matches,” he said. “I always want to bring out my best performance – play a game without mistakes.”

Discover more about Para badminton