There are three new events on the programme for Paris 2024 – Women’s Singles Standing Lower 3 (WS SL3), Women’s Singles Short Stature 6 (WS SH6), and Mixed Doubles Short Stature 6 (XD SH6).
France is represented by a strong home contingent of eight athletes led by defending Tokyo 2020 men’s singles SL4 gold medallist Lucas Mazur.
Athletes from Austria, Belgium, Chile, Italy, New Zealand, Nigeria and USA will compete in Paralympic Para badminton for the first time.
The Para badminton competition takes place from 29 August – 2 September 2024 at Porte de La Chapelle Arena.
Fast forward to 2024, and the now 21-year-old Indian is back for her second Paralympics, having made a full recovery following a surgery that took 12 months to heal. Her left leg had shrunk post-surgery, requiring her to wear different shoe sizes. This resulted in Kohli being reclassified from SU5 to her new category, SL4.
“As soon as the International Paralympic Committee revealed the gold medal, I saved it as my phone wallpaper. I wanted to keep focused for Paris because that’s the dream. A podium finish would be ideal. After losing the bronze medal match at Tokyo 2020, a medal is what I want most,” Kohli said.
New Zealand Para badminton newcomer Wojtek Czyz is back for a fourth Games, having representing Germany in Para athletics as a sprinter and long jumper, winning a staggering seven medals, including four gold.
“I’m really looking forward to inspiring the next generation and helping New Zealand to grow new athletes in Para sport.”
“Badminton had always been a hobby of mine since I was a boy, but I’d never played it professionally.
“[Qualifying] wasn’t easy… but I was lucky to share my vision and my passion with others, and create a team around me, and with a big team effort, we all made it happen.”
New Zealand’s Wojtek Czyz.
Follow our Para badminton #SuperSmashSquad stars on their #RoadToParis.
Top 8 Qualifiers Confirmed for HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2023
The Top 8 qualifiers for the world’s richest badminton tournament have been unveiled with the remaining places in the HSBC Race To Finals rankings sealed over the weekend.
There are eight qualifying spots in each of the five categories, with a maximum of two players per Member Association, and a spot reserved for the reigning world champion.
Women’s Singles
Korea’s world champion An Se Young had an exceptional season with eight HSBC BWF World Tour titles from 10 finals, securing 119,890 points for first place. Olympic champion and local Hangzhou hero Chen Yu Fei finished second.
“I’m very happy that more and more international tournaments are coming to Hangzhou, and I feel very amiable to play in my hometown. I’ll enjoy the tournament itself and the atmosphere onsite. Compared to the last few times I participated in the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2023, I feel that I am getting more mature. I will do my best to win the championship.” – Chen Yu Fei.
Third-placed qualifier Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi remains in injury doubt. Korea’s Kim Ga Eun is next in line, with her semifinal finish at the LI-NING China Masters 2023 bumping her to 70,650 points and ninth place overall.
Men’s Singles
Kodai Naraoka’s 11,000 points from his title win at the LI-NING China Masters 2023 saw him lead the men’s singles HSBC Race To Finals rankings with 89,520 points.
Denmark’s Anders Antonsen was the last player to sneak in, awaiting the result of the Naraoka versus Kenta Nishimoto all-Japanese final in Shenzhen to determine his fate.
Nishimoto’s runner-up finish gave him a total of 77,570 points, falling just short of Antonsen’s 78,110.
Women’s Doubles
Chen Qing Chen/Jia Yi Fan claimed top spot despite playing only 12 HSBC BWF World Tour tournaments. The world champions amassed 101,340 points thanks to five titles in seven finals.
Their young compatriots Liu Sheng Shu/Tan Ning, playing their first HSBC BWF World Tour season, qualified in fifth spot with 89,000 points.
Men’s Doubles
China’s Liang Wei Keng/Wang Chen vaulted into first place in the HSBC Race To Finals rankings on the back of their thrilling final win at the LI-NING China Masters 2023.
Hong Kong China’s Tang Chun Man/Tse Ying Suet and Chinese Taipei’s Ye Hong Wei/Lee Chia Hsin were neck-and-neck before the LI-NING China Masters 2023. With Tang/Tse winning their second-round clash and going on to make the semifinals, they secured seventh place, ahead of Malaysia’s Chen Tang Jie/Toh Ee Wei.
BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund said: “BWF is excited to promote Hangzhou as the official home of the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals, with world-class facilities and infrastructure.
“The HSBC BWF World Tour Finals is our signature season-ending finale, and thanks to HSBC we have been able to increase our overall commitment to the sport and players.
“We look forward to welcoming the season’s best players to Hangzhou as they compete for their share of the $US2.5 million – the most in the history of badminton.”
The draw will be held during the annual HSBC BWF World Tour Finals Gala Dinner on Monday 11 December. The winners of the BWF Player of the Year Awards will also be announced.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) can confirm Hangzhou, China as host city of the season-ending HSBC BWF World Tour Finals for the next four years.
Starting 2023, BWF unveiled a 31-event new World Tour calendar, with more Super 1000, Super 750, and Super 500 tournaments, bringing greater prize money opportunities for players.
BWF is now delighted to reveal the prestigious HSBC BWF World Tour Finals will head to Hangzhou for the entire cycle.
Hangzhou is home of the 19th Asian Games and is the perfect location for international badminton’s showpiece event. The 2023 edition will take place from 13-17 December.
BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund thanked Chinese Badminton Association (CBA) and the Hangzhou City Government for their commitment to the sport.
“It is with great excitement to confirm Hangzhou, China as the host of our flagship HSBC BWF World Tour Finals for this cycle,” Lund said.
“Badminton is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world with all-time high participation and fan numbers and Hangzhou with its superb sporting infrastructure and experience in staging elite international events is an ideal host for our finals.
“We look forward to the tour’s top eight players and pairs in each category fighting it out for glory in front of thousands of passionate fans.”
Chinese Badminton Association President, and BWF Chair of Events, Zhang Jun, added: “We are delighted to work with the BWF and Hangzhou City Government to bring the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals to China.
“With its profound history and popularity here, badminton activities are ubiquitous in Hangzhou. It is an honour for the local government to be the host for the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals. And all top players around the world are welcomed to gather in the city.”
Further details on the 2023 edition of HSBC BWF World Tour Finals will be released in the coming weeks.
随着21-17 21-16的胜利,苏迪曼杯留在了中国。“奥运会之后,这个冠军让我们可以再次激励我们的队员,”张军说,“我们本届苏杯男双阵容上不是最完美的,对泰国和丹麦我们有一些困难,但我们决定让年轻球员上场,我们信任他们的能力,他们今天做的很好。” Click here for Match Centre.
In a sensational match that went 79 minutes, the emerging Indian talent held off the in-form Dane 21-11 17-21 21-19 to stay in pursuit of his first HSBC BWF World Tour Super 500 title.
In the semifinals he faces 2022 champion Alex Lanier, who beat third seed Kenta Nishimoto 21-17 21-17.
The other semifinal will be an all-Japanese affair, with last week’s US Open champion Yushi Tanaka taking on Koki Watanabe, who upset second seed Kodai Naraoka in three games.
Hsieh Pei Shan & Hung En-Tzu upset Jolly/Pullela
The women’s doubles saw an upset, with third seeds Treesa Jolly/Gayatri Gopichand Pullela falling to Chinese Taipei’s Hsieh Pei Shan/Hung En-Tzu 21-18 19-21 21-16. They face compatriots Hsu Yin-Hui/Lin Jhih Yun, while the other semifinal will pit US Open champions Rin Iwanaga/Kie Nakanishi against Laksika Kanlaha/Phataimas Muenwong.
There was heartbreak of home fans, with four-time champion Michelle Li falling in a narrow, 21-12 15-21 21-19 defeat to Busanan Ongbamrungphan.
Please find below and attached information on BWF Members’ Forum 2024 Report.
BWF MEMBERS’ FORUM REPORT
Following the feedback of Member Associations and other key stakeholders, including Continental Confederations, BWF Council and BWF Staff, we are pleased to share with Member Associations a final report outlining the findings and key outcomes of the BWF Members’ Forum 2024 in Chengdu, China.
Should you have any questions on the report, or should you wish to provide additional feedback on the BWF Members’ Forum, please contact John Shearer, BWF Head of Continental Development on [email protected]
World Badminton Day: Raising a Racket with Underprivileged Children
World Badminton Day celebrations began early in Malaysia with BWF and its partners initiating two coaching clinics for underprivileged children in Kuala Lumpur over the past weeks.
On 22 June, IGB Commercial REIT (IGBCR) and BWF hosted 70 underprivileged children from Ti-Ratana and Yayasan Sunbeams Home, bringing together 18 enthusiastic IGBCR volunteers, guided by 10 certified BWF Shuttle Time teachers and coaches.
Six interactive stations were set up for children from six to 18 years to have a fun badminton experience. The lessons covered key elements such as grip, net drills, shuttlecock control, and movement skills.
BWF Development Director Ian Wright said: “Our goal is to make badminton an inclusive sport and it was truly rewarding seeing a large number of children actively participating and having fun together through the curated interactive lessons.
“This coaching clinic is not just about teaching racket skills and net play. It is also about creating a safe and encouraging space where children of all ages and abilities can successfully develop badminton skills and a chance to develop physical and social skills.”
Walter Gan, an 11-year-old from Sunbeams Home, echoed the sentiment. “I had so much fun! I can’t wait to practise with my friends. Thank you for giving us this opportunity.”
All 70 participants from Ti-Ratana and Yayasan Sunbeams Home.
The following weekend, BWF and its Southeast Asia partner Haier, with the help of Rotaract Club of Petaling Jaya and Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management & Technology (TARUMT), kicked off official World Badminton Day activities in style, utilising BWF’s flagship programme Shuttle Time for an interactive coaching clinic.
Two homes were invited, Shelter Children Home and Praise Emmanuel Children’s Home, with 33 underprivileged children taking to the courts.
The activity started with a 15-minutes simple warm up with a demonstration from coaches and volunteers, followed by station activities such as throwing games, keep your court free, scissor jump with overhead racket swing, balloon tap, net play with lunges and drive rally games. Then, a short match was played between the children to introduce them to the badminton scoring system.
Shuttle Time coaching clinic delivered by BWF volunteers.
At the end of the activity, each home received a certificate of appreciation along with a badminton school kit and portable net.
Pastor Isaac Siva, caregiver from Praise Emmanuel Children’s Home said: “The joy and enthusiasm of the children was truly heartwarming, and we are deeply grateful for this opportunity that brought so much excitement and inspiration to their lives.”
Managing Director of Haier Malaysia, Fan Jing said: “We are happy to be partnering BWF for this World Badminton Day initiative and this is one of the many ways to foster unity, promote a healthy lifestyle and unearth the next badminton hero in Malaysia.”
Ninety years old, much travelled and evolved, but still reinventing itself all the time.
The Badminton World Federation has charted a unique course during its journey – from its early years in England as the International Badminton Federation, surviving World War II not long after its birth; its youth, during which time it overcame a family feud; and on to thriving middle age, shepherding badminton into one of the world’s most followed sports.
Sir George Thomas with the Thomas Cup
The International Badminton Federation was born on 5 July 1934. Its parent was the Badminton Association, which was formed in September 1893 to bring about uniformity in the rules of the game. While the Badminton Association primarily administered the game in England, a number of overseas clubs had affiliated to it and as the sport grew, the need for a worldwide association was felt.
On 5 July 1934 at Bush House, Aldwych, London, the International Badminton Federation came into being with nine founding members — Canada, Denmark, England, France, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales. The Badminton Association, which now became the Badminton Association of England, offered a generous present of GBP200 to the IBF.
Among the early initiatives of the IBF was to have a men’s world team championships, with the President and 21-time All England winner, Sir George Thomas, offering the trophy. The War temporarily halted those ambitions, but by the end of the 1940s the first Thomas Cup had been held, spurring enormous interest particularly in Asia, which turned into the dominant force in time to come.
The Uber Cup for women followed from 1956-57, with Betty Uber – legendary winner of 13 All England titles – donating the trophy.
The USA team, winners of the first Uber Cup in 1957
The All England was for long considered the unofficial World Championships; by the 1970s the IBF had decided to conduct the official World Championships, which was held for the first time in Malmo in 1977.
Perhaps the biggest crisis for the IBF happened not long after this, with the breakaway World Badminton Federation forming in 1978 and organising its own events, but wise counsel prevailed, and the family reconciled in May 1981.
The unification of the badminton family was to revolutionise the sport as China entered the circuit. Korea was also to make waves at the same time, and the intensity of competition would attract legions of fans. This also augured well for badminton’s inclusion in the Olympic programme, and in Barcelona 1992 came the big moment of badminton’s debut as an Olympic sport.
IOC President Samaranch congratulates Craig Reedie, former IBF President, in 1985 on badminton’s inclusion in the Olympics.
Into the new millennium, IBF was to reinvent itself as the Badminton World Federation while shifting its headquarters from the UK to Malaysia, with the sport also changing for a new generation of fans through a different scoring system and the Superseries (later the World Tour) circuit. Other major initiatives, such as the developmental programme Shuttle Time to popularise the sport at the grassroots level, and AirBadminton – catering to those who prefer the outdoors – have taken off over the last decade, ushering badminton to unprecedented heights.
The sport, once confined to pockets in Asia, Europe and North America, has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, and regularly features among the most watched sports at the Olympic Games. Having begun with a family of nine, the BWF today can boast of 201 members, signifying its growth and robust health.
MILESTONES OF BWF’s 90-YEAR JOURNEY
5 July 1934: Formation of the International Badminton Federation (IBF) with nine founding members.
1948-49: The Thomas Cup (World Men’s Team Championships) takes place; the trophy, commissioned by IBF President Sir George Thomas in 1939, starts with 10 teams. Malaya emerge champions beating Denmark 8-1.
1956-57: The Uber Cup (World Women’s Team Championships) held, with 11 teams competing. USA beat Denmark 6-1 in the final.
1972: Badminton is played as a demonstration sport at the Munich Olympic Games.
1977: The first official World Championships is held in Malmo, Sweden.
1979: First international Open tournament offering prize money held at the Royal Albert Hall in London, signalling the arrival of the professional era.
1985: On 5 June 1985 in East Berlin, the IOC confirms badminton as an Olympic sport.
1988: Badminton is played as an exhibition sport at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul.
Badminton was an exhibition sport at Seoul 1988.
1992: Badminton makes its much-anticipated debut at the Olympics in Barcelona, with 178 athletes from 37 NOCs taking part in four events. Later that year, the first BWF World Junior Championships is held.
1996: At the Olympic Games in Atlanta, mixed doubles is added to the programme.
2005: In June, the IBF moves its headquarters from Cheltenham in England to Kuala Lumpur.
2006: The International Badminton Federation is re-christened Badminton World Federation (BWF). This year also saw the introduction of the 21×3 rally-point scoring system, replacing the 15×3.
2007: Launch of the BWF World Superseries circuit.
The Super Series circuit was launched in 2007
2011: Shuttle Time, BWF schools’ badminton programme, starts in Tonga.
2012: Badminton remains one of the highest-viewed sports, with record figures at the London 2012 Olympics. The same year, a new BWF logo is launched to reflect the organisation’s contemporary identity.
2013: The Instant Review System is launched at the BWF World Superseries Finals in Kuala Lumpur.
2014: Badminton becomes a Paralympic sport with the International Paralympic Committee announcing on 7 October 2014 its inclusion for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
2015: The global integrity campaign ‘i am badminton’ is launched at the BWF World Junior Championships. The same year, BWF and Special Olympics International sign an MoU to support the participation of people with intellectual disabilities.
2016: Badminton is a hit at the first Olympic Games in South America, spurring the growth of the sport in the region.
2018: The HSBC BWF World Tour replaces the Superseries, with a higher number of tournaments across five levels.
2019: In May, AirBadminton project launched in Guangzhou. Later that year, the BWF World Championships is held alongside the BWF Para Badminton World Championships for the first time.
2020: Covid-19 causes a setback, with the cancellation of 147 tournaments. A “safety bubble” system is implemented in Denmark and France, and its success inspires a gradual – albeit patchy — return of the circuit.
2021: Three back-to-back tournaments are held in Bangkok in January in a safety bubble, keeping the sport going during a time of crisis, with tournaments conducted in clusters. A further 91 tournaments are cancelled in 2021.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympic Games are held despite great challenges; history is made with the debut of badminton at the Paralympics. Following its success, more tournaments are held including five Major Championships from September; the calendar concludes with the BWF World Championships. Badminton is back!
2022: Nielsen research puts the size of the global badminton fanbase at 709 million, with 392 million playing the sport at least once a week.
2023: More than 16 million followers globally on BWF media channels.
Who said what about the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in and around the badminton world over the past week?
“An Olympic medal is my final piece of the puzzle. I will try to bring home a perfect puzzle. I will give this Olympics everything I have.”
An Se Young vows to add the missing medal to her collection.
“My mental preparation is the most important. If my mentality isn’t strong, it will affect the physical part. Before I go to Paris, I will spend more time in Hong Kong (China) relaxing and chilling out.”
Lee Cheuk Yiu on how he’s readying himself.
“He has dared trying a new style so close to the Olympics, and the results are good. It can add psychological pressure on his opponents. I believe he will use his familiar offensive style in Paris, but how will his opponents cope when he switches to a controlled gameplay?”
London 2012 men’s doubles gold medallist Cai Yun impressed by Lee Zii Jia’s adaptability while winning Australian Open.
“It’s crucial to cherish the journey instead of obsessing over a medal. The results will follow if the process is right focusing on training and recovery.”
H.S. Prannoy stressing the importance of enjoying the process in France.
“We decided it would be best to put 110 per cent of our effort and time onto chasing this Olympic dream.”
Kerry Xu on why she and twin sister Annie took leave of absences from their jobs.
“It all started with a dream and I never once thought I’d be able to achieve it. Thanks to my support system, they made me believe in myself. Them cheering me on drove me to reach my goal.”
South Africa’s Johanita Scholtz grateful for the backing she received from family and her team in her qualification bid.
Anti-Doping Information Session Get Ready – YONEX BWF World Junior Championships 2024
Thank you to the 23 administrators, coaches and team managers from 17 Member Associations who attended the Anti-Doping Information Session on Thursday 27 June 2024.
As you know, every player must complete anti-doping education before participating in the YONEX BWF World Junior Championships 2024 (see our Notice of 14 June).
If your team manager did not attend, they can watch the video of the presentation (linked here).
In addition, the PowerPoint presentation can also be accessed and downloaded (linked here).
Please forward this to your team managers, coaches and support personnel going to the YONEX BWF World Junior Championships 2024.
Information Session – forcoaches and Managers
The information session on 27 June, focused on how to plan for anti-doping education programmes for players who are participating in the YONEX BWF World Junior Championships 2024 in Nanchang, China. The session included information on the following:
Why is Anti-Doping education important?
Successful Elements – Education Programmes.
Requirements for the World Junior Championships.
Options to achieve these requirements.
11 mandatory topics for education – anti-doping information.
Resources / communication / inspiration.
Please contact Andy Hines-Randle ([email protected]) with any questions about the requirement, resources or if you need assistance contacting your NADO.
About the Championships – what are the education requirements?
The YONEX BWF World Junior Championships 2024 will be hosted in Nanchang, China later this year.
Mixed Team Championships (Suhandinata Cup) 30 September – 05 October 2024
Individual Championships (Eye-Level Cups) 07 – 13 October 2024
Please note that every individual player must complete some form of anti-doping education before they participate in the 2024 Championships (teams and/or individuals).
This is an eligibility requirement to participate in the Championships, as per BWF Anti-Doping Regulations, Article 17.2.
Start planning to work with your National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) and the BWF to complete this requirement no later than Friday 20 September 2024.
A guide on planning for anti-doping education can be found linked here.
Anti-Doping Information – BWF Website
We prepared a reference document – “Anti-Doping Information – BWF Website Links” – which will guide you to essential anti-doping information (linked here).
Contact
If you have questions about the anti-doping education requirements for the YONEX BWF World Junior Championships 2024, please contact Andy Hines-Randle, Head of Integrity ([email protected]).
YONEX Canada Open 2024 is the closing HSBC BWF World Tour tournament before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Learn more about this Super 500 event.
England were the last to win all five categoriesin a year (2004). Denmark are the only nation to have seeded players in every discipline this time.
Their No.1 men’s pair, Kim Astrup/Anders Skaarup Rasmussen are the sole top seeds tohave aced their event.
If they defend their title, they will become the first back-to-back men’s doubles champions since Canadians William Milroy/Mike Beres (2006-2007).
Victory for third seeds Ben Lane/Sean Vendy instead will make England the most successful in the department in tournament history. They lead the all-time table on nine victories, same as Canada and Malaysia.
Denmark’s longest intervalsare in men’s singles and mixed doubles, last winning in 1993. Their players are seeded first in both (Anders Antonsen, Mathias Christiansen/Alexandra Boje).
Japan have produced winners at four of the last five Canada Opens.
In 2023, for the second time in four editions, their players took home three titles – women’s singles and doubles and mixed doubles.
Except Michelle Li, no player or pair have won consecutive crowns from the beginning of the 2010s.
Li is also the only shuttler to win three on the spin this century (2014-2016).
Glory in Calgary will make her Canada Open’s most successful women’s singles star. She is currently tied on five titles with compatriot Marjorie Shedd.
While Hong Kong China never topped the men’s singles podium, they can count on seventh seed Ng Ka Long Angus this season. Ng finished runner-up twice (2014, 2015).
Indonesia’s two seeded mixed pairs – Dejan Ferdinansyah/Gloria Emanuelle Widjaja (2) and Praveen Jordan/Serena Kani (7) could end their country’s 14-year wait if they triumph. Taufik Hidayat was the last Indonesian titlist (2010).
Thailand are yet to win women’s doubles but possess fourth seeds Laksika Kanlaha/Phatamais Muenwong.
Standout stat:Only Australian and Japanese pairs won the category at the six most recent editions.
Gronya Somerville and Setyana Mapasa as winners in 2016. They triumphed again three years later.
Paris 2024 Olympic Games – 25 Days to the Opening Ceremony
Rooms at the BWF Official Hotel – Paris 2024 Olympic Games
BWF has a few rooms available for sale during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Badminton Competition – 27 July to 5 August 2024. These rooms are at the BWF official hotel in Paris –
The IOC has informed us that the IOC Anti-Doping Rules for Paris 2024 Olympic Games have been recently slightly amended.
This is related to the change in the title of the procedural rules applicable to the CAS Anti-Doping Division, as adopted by the International Council of Arbitration for Sport (ICAS).
Except for this minor formal change in a defined term (“Procedural Rules, CAS Anti-Doping Division”), the IOC Anti-Doping Rules remain unchanged and as circulated in our Notice of 17 May. Please find attached the amended rules – linked here.
Participation Rules – Paris 2024
Further to our Notice of 17 May, please be reminded of the participation rules for athletes and team members going to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Please contact your NOC if you need more information, see the contact details below or look at the BWF website (linked here) for more information.
Please also forward this to coaches and team managers are going to the Games and ensure your delegation for Paris 2024 is aware of all these rules.
Integrity Awareness – Get Ready for the Olympic Games
Further to our Notice of 30 May 2024, here is an important reminder about preparing your athletes for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
To help athletes, coaches and team managers get ready for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the BWF is highlighting several online integrity education opportunities.
NOC’s and NPC’s may have already contacted National Associations with athletes qualified for Paris. We strongly recommend that all athletes, coaches and team managers to spend time and go through the online information to get ready for Paris.
This notice covers the following:
ADEL for Paris 2024 Olympics
ADEL for Paris 2024 Paralympics
How to access the Platform
IOC Anti-Doping Rules – Paris 2024 Olympics
IOC Preventing Manipulation of Competitions Course
See our Notice of 30 May 2024Please make sure you forward this to your Paris 2024 coaches / team manager.