Bádminton Oviedo Dominates Spanish Absolute Championships with Eight-Medal Haul
The Club Bádminton Oviedo has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in Spanish racket sports, securing a staggering eight medals at the recent Spanish Absolute and Parabádminton Championships. Leading the charge was standout athlete Pablo Serrano, whose clinical performance across three different disciplines earned him a triple crown of gold medals, cementing his status as a dominant force in the national circuit.
The tournament, which brought together the finest talent in Spain, served as a showcase for both the technical depth of the Oviedo-based club and the exceptional individual brilliance of its athletes. For a global audience, the result underscores the growing competitiveness of Spanish parabádminton on the international stage, particularly within the specialized classifications that define the sport.
The Pablo Serrano Show: A Triple Gold Performance
While the club’s collective effort was impressive, the narrative of the championships was largely written by Pablo Serrano. Competing in the SU5 category—a classification for athletes with impairments in the lower limbs who compete while standing—Serrano displayed a level of versatility and endurance that left his competitors scrambling.
Serrano’s first gold came in the individual SU5 event. In a high-stakes final, he overcame Manuel García of Athlos to claim the top spot on the podium. However, the rivalry between the two athletes shifted from competition to collaboration in the men’s doubles. Pairing up with García, Serrano secured his second gold medal, proving that the two best players in the category are also the most effective when playing as a unit.

Serrano completed his sweep in the mixed doubles event. Partnering with Selenia Pla, he navigated the bracket to capture his third national title, marking a rare “triple” at a single national championship event.
To put this achievement in perspective, Serrano has shown consistent excellence over recent seasons. Records indicate a pattern of dominance in the SU5 and SL3-SU5 categories, often securing victories with commanding scorelines that highlight a significant gap in tactical execution between him and the rest of the field.
Depth of Talent: The Supporting Medalists
Beyond Serrano’s individual brilliance, Bádminton Oviedo demonstrated significant depth across various categories, picking up five additional medals to round out their tally. The club’s ability to reach the podium in both the absolute and para-categories speaks to a comprehensive training program that supports a wide array of athletic needs.
The silver medal count was bolstered by several key performances:
- Sergio González: Secured silver in the SU5 men’s doubles, partnering with José Manuel de las Heras of Drop Toledo.
- Vicente Gázquez: Earned silver in the mixed doubles alongside Elena Lorenzo (Drop Toledo).
- Jana Villanueva: Claimed silver in the women’s doubles, pairing with Amaia Torralba of Belmecher.
The club also added two bronze medals to its collection. Adolfo López reached the podium in the mixed doubles with Carmen Jiménez of Ibiza. The duo of Marcos García and Vicente Gázquez fought their way to a third-place finish in the men’s doubles, ensuring Gázquez walked away from the event with two separate medals.
Note for readers: In badminton, the “Absolute” designation refers to the top-tier professional/senior category, where athletes of all ages compete for the national title, regardless of whether they are emerging talents or seasoned veterans.
Breaking Down the SU5 Classification
For those unfamiliar with the nuances of parabádminton, the SU5 category is one of the most competitive standing classes. It is designed for athletes who have impairments in the lower limbs—such as limb deficiency or impaired muscle power—but who are still able to compete while standing. The physical demands are immense, requiring a combination of balance, explosive movement, and precise racket control.
Serrano’s ability to dominate this category across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles is a testament to his adaptability. The tactical requirements for singles (covering the entire court) differ wildly from doubles (rapid-fire exchanges and specialized positioning), yet Serrano excelled in all three.
What In other words for Bádminton Oviedo
This haul of eight medals is more than just a statistical win; it is a statement of intent. By sweeping multiple categories, Bádminton Oviedo has positioned itself as a primary feeder for the Spanish national team. The synergy between the club’s athletes and their coaching staff—including Alberto Zapico—has created a culture of success that transcends a single star player.

The results also highlight the importance of regional hubs like Oviedo in fostering elite sports. The club’s success provides a blueprint for how specialized training and inclusive competition can elevate the profile of parabádminton within Spain and beyond.
Quick Summary of Bádminton Oviedo’s Results
| Athlete(s) | Event | Medal |
|---|---|---|
| Pablo Serrano | Individual SU5 | Gold |
| Pablo Serrano / Manuel García | Men’s Doubles SU5 | Gold |
| Pablo Serrano / Selenia Pla | Mixed Doubles SU5 | Gold |
| Sergio González / J.M. De las Heras | Men’s Doubles SU5 | Silver |
| Vicente Gázquez / Elena Lorenzo | Mixed Doubles | Silver |
| Jana Villanueva / Amaia Torralba | Women’s Doubles | Silver |
| Adolfo López / Carmen Jiménez | Mixed Doubles | Bronze |
| Marcos García / Vicente Gázquez | Men’s Doubles | Bronze |
With the national championships concluded, the focus now shifts to international qualification and the next cycle of the World Para Badminton tour. Pablo Serrano, in particular, will be the athlete to watch as he looks to translate his domestic dominance into further international accolades.
Stay tuned to La Nueva España and official federation updates for the upcoming tournament calendar and athlete rankings.
Do you think Pablo Serrano is currently the most dominant para-badminton player in Europe? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Worth a look