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10 | THE REVIEW MARCH 2026 International court action for Maia and Anna Six players have just returned from the Para Badminton World Championships in Bahrain. Four of the players live with CP and two are CP Societymembers. By MELANIE LOUDEN Commitment, dedication and hard work on the badminton court, and behind the scenes, have paid off for Maia Read and Anna Hika. The Cerebral Palsy Society members went to Australia in October and brought home three medals each from the VICTOR Oceania Para Badminton Championships and the YONEX Australian Para Badminton International 2025. The pair were also part of a 6-strong squad that competed in the Para Badminton World Championships in Bahrain from February 8-14. Maia and Anna, who are doubles partners, were joined by two other players who live with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi - Andrew Fairweather and Rishikesh Venu, as well as teammates Amy Dunn and Thomas Slade. For Maia, 18, representing Aotearoa New Zealand “means the world to me”. “I have a chance to show other young athletes that they are more than capable of doing it too”. Maia likes the fact that badminton challenges her physically and mentally. “It’s enjoyable because I can really see my progress and feel like I am accomplishing something.” The New Plymouth resident says competing overseas requires a lot of dedication. “You have to put in the hours to really make it worthwhile. Extra training to prepare definitely takes a lot of effort. You have to really be willing to put yourself in situations where it’s going to be hard some days.” Maia’s hard work paid off in the form of three bronze medals won at the Oceanaia and Australian International events held last year. FEATURE Above: Maia Read is proud of the fact she can show others “they are more than capable”. Photo: James Varghese Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi mainly affects Maia’s right leg – her muscles aren’t as strong on that side and when it comes to playing badminton it impacts her balance and movement. “My brain doesn’t have complete trust in my body. I want to be further forward or move quicker backwards, but it is like a safety lock comes on. “I have to work harder at my footwork; the timing and coordination doesn’t come as easily to me as it does to most able-bodied players,” Maia says. Representing her country is something Anna, 24, is “very proud of”.