The 2019 Championships will take place in Basel, Switzerland from tomorrow until August 25, with more than 300 athletes from 49 nations taking part.

It is the 12th edition of the Championships and is the first to be held concurrently with the BWF World Championships at the same venue, the newly-renovated St. Jakobshalle.

Athletes are excited about the competition and the exposure it can provide for their sport.

"It is a big opportunity for us as the Para-badminton athletes, because I've never seen such a big media interest in our sport before," said Karin Suter-Erath of Switzerland at the welcome press conference.

Jack Shephard of England, the reigning SS6 men's singles world champion, said: "I think having both these events together will help grow the sport of Para-badminton.

"I'm looking forward to watching the matches and learning from the able-bodied athletes so that I can include some of the skills into my game."

The World Championships also offer qualification places and points for the Paralympics, meaning there is more pressure on the athletes than ever before.

Yuma Yamazaki of Japan, currently ranked number one in the world in the women's doubles wheelchair category with partner Sarina Satomi, said: "It is great that these events are together this year as it provides the last opportunity for all our athletes to be in one place before we embark on our quest for the Olympics and Paralympics.

"The able-bodied Japan team is focused on the Olympics and now the Para-badminton team is shaping up the same way and to be able to compete in Tokyo 2020 will be a great honour."