Thursday, 21 Nov 2024

BWF Olympics: Dr. Shamsul Azhar – A Dedicated Para Badminton Classifier

Dr. Shamsul Azhar, a Senior International Para Badminton Classifier, has dedicated the past decade to volunteering for the BWF and making a significant impact in the sport. As an experienced classifier, he has assessed hundreds of athletes, mentored aspiring medical professionals, and played a vital role in ensuring fairness in Para badminton.

Para badminton athletes must undergo a formal assessment process known as classification, which determines how their individual physical impairments affect their ability to play the sport. Dr. Shamsul, in collaboration with another classifier, evaluates athletes based on the BWF’s minimal impairment criteria and assigns them to one of the six sport classes for Para badminton competition.

The importance of classification cannot be understated, as it guarantees fairness in Para sports. Dr. Shamsul explains, “Classifiers examine, test, and observe athletes during competitions to allocate them to the correct class or category.” This meticulous process assures athletes that they are competing against others with similar impairments, ensuring a level playing field.

Dr. Shamsul’s involvement in Para badminton extends beyond his role as a classifier. He has a personal connection to the sport, having represented Malaysia in Para table tennis from 2001 to 2009. This unique perspective, combined with his medical background and expertise, allows Dr. Shamsul to understand the needs of the athletes better.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  News | BWF World Championships

Throughout his career, Dr. Shamsul has been instrumental in the development and improvement of the Para badminton classification process. His dedication and contribution have helped shape the sport into what it is today. Additionally, he continues to be actively involved in national competitions in Malaysia, focusing on both Para badminton and table tennis.

Apart from his role as a classifier, Dr. Shamsul is a Consultant Public Health Physician and a Professor of Epidemiology and Statistics at the National University of Malaysia (UKM). While he recently stopped seeing patients, he remains committed to research, teaching, and his work with the BWF.

As classification is an essential part of Para badminton, it is carried out whenever a new athlete enters an event or when a review of an athlete’s existing class is required. Athletes undergo a thorough physical examination and testing by classifiers, usually one day before the competition begins. Once the classifiers confirm the athlete’s impairment, they are assigned to a specific class alongside others with similar impairments and functions, unless there are changes to their impairment or function.

To excel as a classifier, Dr. Shamsul highlights the importance of having a medical background, specializing in rehabilitation, neurology, and orthopedics. Additionally, being an ex-badminton player brings valuable expertise to the role.

Dr. Shamsul’s dedication and expertise have made a significant impact on Para badminton. His work ensures fairness in the sport and allows athletes to compete on an equal footing. We thank Dr. Shamsul for his remarkable contributions and commitment to Para badminton.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  Badminton Pan America: Empowering Future Leaders in Bolivia

Dr. Shamsul ensures fair play for all Para badminton athletes.

FAQs

Q: What is the role of a classifier in Para badminton?
A: Classifiers assess athletes based on their physical impairments and assign them to the appropriate sport class for Para badminton competition. This ensures fairness and allows athletes to compete against others with similar impairments.

Q: How is classification carried out in Para badminton?
A: Classification takes place either when a new athlete enters an event or when a review of an athlete’s existing class is needed. Athletes undergo a comprehensive physical examination and testing by classifiers, usually one day before the competition begins. The classifiers confirm the athlete’s impairment and assign them to a specific class accordingly.

Q: What qualifications are required to become a classifier?
A: Ideally, classifiers should have a medical background, with expertise in rehabilitation, neurology, and orthopedics. If the classifier is also an ex-badminton player, it adds valuable insight into the sport and enhances their ability to assess athletes effectively.

Summary

Dr. Shamsul Azhar, an esteemed Senior International Para Badminton Classifier, has made substantial contributions to the sport over the past decade. As a classifier, he plays a crucial role in ensuring fairness and equal opportunities for Para badminton athletes. Dr. Shamsul’s expertise, combined with his personal experience as a Para athlete and medical background, uniquely positions him to understand the needs of the athletes. His dedication extends beyond Para badminton, as he continues to excel in his role as a Public Health Physician and Professor. We applaud Dr. Shamsul for his invaluable contributions and commitment to Para badminton. To learn more about Para badminton and its classification process, visit Carnegiecentre.com.

Tham Khảo Thêm:  BWF News