Arika Shetty is a para-badminton athlete who was awarded a Tier 3 Scholarship within the Sport Australia Hall of Fame 2026 Scholarship & Mentoring Program.
Born and raised in Bangalore, India, Arika was diagnosed with hemiplegic CP, which weakened the right side of her body. Despite this challenge, she grew up as an active and determined child, trying sports such as tennis, swimming, basketball and judo. However, it was badminton that captured her passion. After relocating to Australia, Arika discovered para-sport and entered her first all-abilities competition in 2023 at Altona, Melbourne. With no formal training, she impressed by winning gold in the singles category. Motivated by this breakthrough, she pursued para-badminton more seriously and, just months later, secured a triple bronze medal at the VICTOR Oceania Para-Badminton International.
Based in Sydney, supported by her family, friends, Yonex AU/NZ for equipment and the guidance of her coaches at the Roketto Academy, Badminton Australia & NSW Badminton, Arika progressed and was soon selected to represent Australia as part of the national team, the Para Falcons. In 2024, Arika made her debut on the world stage at the Para-Badminton World Championships, reaching the Round of 16. She continued her rise by winning bronze in women’s singles at the Japan Para-Badminton International, finishing runner-up in women’s singles at the Australian Para-National Championships, securing bronze in women’s doubles at the Spanish Para-Badminton International.
In 2025, Arika became a triple national champion by winning gold in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, while also securing a bronze team medal at the Australian Para-National Badminton Championships.
Beyond badminton, she is completing her final year of high school and aspires to study a science-based degree in Sydney, with a long-term goal of pursuing biomedical engineering. Looking ahead, Arika dreams of making her Paralympic debut at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, striving for the podium.
After her sporting career, she aspires to pursue biomedical engineering or a career in the science field. She has a strong passion for understanding the human body and how science can be applied to improve people’s lives.
“I am incredibly excited and honoured to be welcomed into the SAHOF family as a Scholarship recipient. For me, this is more than just support — it’s recognition of my journey in para-badminton and an opportunity to share my sport with a wider community. Being part of SAHOF provides me with guidance and assistance to overcome challenges, while helping me balance sport, study, and life. I look forward to learning, growing, and representing both my sport and SAHOF with pride as I continue to chase my goals.” – Arika Shetty on being selected as a 2026 Scholarship Holder.
Honours & Achievements
- Australian Para Nationals Championships 2025 – Gold in singles, mixed and doubles
- Australian Para Nationals Championships 2024 – Runner up Women’s singles
- Hulic Daihatsu Japan Para Badminton Open 2024 – Bronze Women’s singles
- NSDF Royal Cliff Beach BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2024 – Debut on the world stage and made round of 16
- Victor Oceania Para Badminton Championships – Bronze medals in singles
Social Links | Instagram https://www.instagram.com/arika.shetty/