This edition of ´European Para badminton Towards Tokyo 2020´ features Rickard Nilsson from Sweden. 

Rickard Nilsson started to play badminton when he was 5 years old. He later began playing Para badminton when he was around 14 years old. At that point he did not think about the Paralympics, but as he started climbing the rankings it became more of a dream to participate, and hopefully it will come true. 

Watch the video to see how Nilsson is looking forward to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics and what goals he thinks he can achieve.

First time in history

For the first time in history, Paralympics includes Para badminton which makes the Paralympics more special especially for the badminton players. 

- I think it is bigger for us than for the other sports, so of course it would be nice to be a part of it, he said. 

For now, Rickard Nilsson is the world’s no. 7 in his Sport Class and no. 2 in Europe. In the two latest European Championships he became runner up, which gives him a good chance to qualify for the Paralympics. 

- I think I have a great chance to qualify. I am one of the top Europeans as of now at least. I think I have a good chance, but there is a lot of hard work, he added. 

Hopes and dreams

Every badminton player has some hopes and dreams they work hard to achieve in their badminton career. This is no difference for Nilsson who also has dreams that he would like to achieve. 

- My personal dream is to become the world champion one day and of course the Paralympic champion, but that is a little far ahead. But that is my goal and I will try to reach it, Nilsson said. 

You can follow Rickard Nilsson’s journey to the Paralympics in 2020 on his Facebook page here.