WORLD SHUTTLOCTOBER 2015 - JANUARY 2016 / EDITION ENO. 12

‘CLEAN’ COMMITMENT: stars (clockwise from left) – Carolina Marin (), / (), / () and Long () – sign the “i am badminton” commitment board at the Dubai World Superseries Finals in December.

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RIO 2016 BADMINTON - PUT TO THE TEST (PAGE 6) i am ‘Integrity’ badminton Shuttling through 2015 honest clean (PAGES 8-9) Ambassadors Coming The Badminton World Federation will soon announce understand, from an early age, how they should the names of ten ambassadors for its new integrity conduct themselves as budding professionals; the key dates programme – ‘i am badminton’. reasons they should avoid any misconduct which would compromise their integrity and that of our 19-24 January Masters 2016 These persons, who will be selected from across sport – and of course, the risks and consequences (Grand Prix Gold) - the sport’s international spectrum, will represent they potentially face if their integrity is compromised,” and promote the campaign’s values, serving as role explained Lund. 26-31 January Syed Modi International Badminton models for the badminton world. Championships 2016 (Grand Prix Gold) - () “We need to help them be aware of the different Announcing this significant step, BWF Secretary forms in which these threats exist. These messages 08-13 February Princess Masters General revealed three ambassadors also apply to coaches, managers, and a host of other 2016 (Grand Prix Gold) - have already been chosen, with the remaining personnel involved in the world of professional sport. 15-21 February Pan Am Team Continental Championship seven to be representatives of players and technical This programme encompass all of them.” 2016 - (Mexico) officials. 15-21 February Africa Continental Team Championships The remaining seven ambassadors will be unveiled by “We feel it fitting that our President - Poul-Erik Høyer mid-year and will be spokespersons for the campaign - Rose Hill (Mauritius) – leads this list of distinguished persons. In addition, which was first introduced to top junior players at last as Chairs of the BWF Athletes’ Commission and 15-21 February Team Championships year’s BWF World Junior Championships in 2016 - (India) the BWF Para-Badminton Athletes’ Commission respectively, we have also selected Yuhan Tan , Peru. Thereafter, it was rolled out to badminton’s 16-18 February 2016 Oceania Continental Mixed and Richard Perot, to be ambassadors for this very elite athletes at the season finale, the Dubai World Team Championships Superseries Finals, in December. - North Harbour () important initiative,” he said. 16-21 February 2016 European Men’s & Women’s Team The ‘i am badminton’ programme focuses on Noting that players have already been introduced to Championships - () championing badminton as a clean, fair and the campaign slogan - i am clean; i am honest; i am badminton – and been sporting wristbands with that 19-21 February 2016 Oceania Continental Men’s & honourable sport and addresses various threats Women’s Team Championships such as doping, match fixing, illegal betting and slogan in various languages, Lund said: “We want - TBC (New Zealand) corruption. players to commit to upholding their integrity and thereby that of our sport. It’s an opportunity for them 01-06 March Yonex 2016 (Grand Prix Gold) - Mulheim an der Ruhr “There is sometimes a climate of temptation around to let the world know what they stand for – that they sport, so it is important that we help our athletes are clean and honest athletes who love badminton.” 08-13 March Yonex All Open Badminton Championships 2016 (Superseries Premier) - 15-20 March 2016 (Grand Prix Gold) - 22-27 March Skycity New Zealand Open 2016 (Grand Prix Gold) - HAPPY 29 March-3 April Yonex Sunrise 2016 (Superseries) - NEW YEAR

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION 2016www.bwfbadminton.org PAGE 2 editorial

Dear Colleagues and Friends

Happy New Year to you all – it is the start of one of the most anticipated years in sport and we at the Badminton World Federation are truly looking forward to it.

However, before we vault into the future, allow me to pause a moment and reflect on the achievements of 2015, especially those of our players who closed the season in excellent at the second Dubai World Superseries Finals. Congratulations to the winners of this showpiece event as well as to our Players of the Year, both in badminton and para- badminton, and to the Most Promising Player of the Year. You have done yourselves, your member associations and your sport proud. I would also like to recognise all nominees in these five categories for having stood out during the past 12 months as badminton continued to reach new horizons.

This second instalment of our four-year partnership with Dubai again reached impressive heights as players, sponsors and guests were treated to truly world-class standards. As we sought to enhance the player experience at this tournament – a reward for those Poul-Erik Høyer who excelled during the past year – we added some special features which our players BWF President will long remember, including trips to Burj Khalifa (world’s tallest building), Ski Dubai, helicopter tours and a hot-air balloon ride. Thanks to our partners, the Dubai Sports Council as well as Falcon and Associates, for collaborating with us on another successful finale to the international badminton season.

Now, as we look ahead, the words on the sporting world’s lips are “Rio 2016” as fans anticipate an amazing celebration of competition among the best athletes across the global landscape – and badminton will be right there, in the thick of the action!

As 2016 gets underway, players will be focused on securing as many points as possible in the first four months before our Olympic Qualification Period ends on 1 May. Thereafter, we will await the confirmation of those will compete for the most coveted prize in our sport – an Olympic medal. This much-heralded spectacle will be the first Summer Olympics in South America and our team at BWF is working hard, in conjunction with the International Olympic Committee and our project partners in Rio, to ensure an excellent badminton showing. Additionally, in preparation for our debut in the 2020 Paralympic Games, the BWF will also be paying close attention to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games as our athletes with impairments gear up for their introduction to the highest level of competition.

On the development front, I am pleased to note we will soon celebrate the 100th implementation of Shuttle Time, our schools-based, grassroots programme which is available in 17 languages. Over the past 12 months, demand for our development resources has gathered pace and has been further bolstered by partnerships (highlighted elsewhere in this newsletter) with entities such as Special Olympics and the United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP). Latvia and Tajikistan have become the 98th and 99th member associations to implement Shuttle Time, with other implementations pending within the coming weeks. Add to this the recent unveiling of Shuttle Time’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/bwfshuttletime/) and the imminent Shuttle Time website and Shuttle Time app and you can see just how far we have progressed since 2011 when this initiative was piloted in Tonga to introduce safe and fun badminton to children.

Inspired by these achievements, BWF is committed to making continued strides across the badminton spectrum as we prepare for another hectic season in which the TOTAL BWF Thomas & Finals in Kunshan, China, will figure prominently as will the annual MetLife BWF World Superseries tour which starts in March with the prestigious YONEX All England Badminton Open Championships. As we embark on our 2016 journey, I wish to thank all BWF’s corporate partners, as well as our media partner (IMG Media) and our commercial partner (Enterprise Sports Group; ESG), for their wonderful support. We certainly look forward to working with them in the months ahead for mutual benefit and, of course, for the overall betterment of badminton globally.

Thank you.

Poul-Erik Høyer

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org PAGE 3 Lee and Sagoy in Historic Wins

The unsung heroes of badminton finally shared the spotlight with their better-known siblings, during the Players’ Reception and Gala Dinner in honour of the participants of the Dubai World Superseries Finals 2015.

For the first time, the ‘Player of the Year’ awards recognised the achievements of male and female para-badminton athletes.

The Male Para-Badminton Player of the Year had three nominees: Malaysia’s Cheah Liek How (SU 5 sport class), Korea’s Lee Sam Seop (WH 1) and Poland’s Bartlomiej Mroz (SU 5). Lee, winner of three gold medals at the Para-Badminton World Championships 2015 and a two-time gold medallist at the China International 2015, received the award ahead of the other nominees.

Lee, who suffered disability in an accident and spent the first two years in self-doubt, was rejuvenated after he discovered badminton.

“It’s been ten years since I dedicated myself to para-badminton, and I want to thank BWF for inviting me to this event,” said the elated Korean. “I’m honoured to receive this award. I was emotional when I won it because this was the first such award for para-badminton.”

Lee said it has been a difficult but ultimately rewarding journey.

“It was difficult for the first two years. Then I went outside and started looking at others, and realised that there are people who are worse off than me but happy. I started looking for sports for rehabilitation

and found para-badminton. It made me happy and I started representing Korea. Para-badminton released my pain the most. I’d never played badminton before my accident. I realised this is the sport for me now, this is life for me now.”

The Female Para-Badminton Player of the Year also had three nominees: England’s Rachel Choong (SS 6), Norway’s Helle Sofie Sagoy (SL 4) and Denmark’s Julie Thrane (SU 5). It was the Norwegian who was named for the honour.

Sagoy, two-time gold medallist at the Para-Badminton World Championships 2015 and winner of two bronze medals each at the Spanish International 2015 and the China International 2015, couldn’t contain her tears.

“I’m very emotional that I won this award,” said the beaming Norwegian, celebrating with ice cream despite a chilly night in Dubai.

“It’s been plenty of hard work and I’m happy I’ve been recognised.”

Para-Badminton Player of the Year

Nominees Male Para-Badminton Player of the Year Cheah Liek How (Malaysia, SU 5) Lee Sam Seop (Korea, WH 1) Bartlomiej Mroz (Poland, SU 5)

Female Para-Badminton Player of the Year Rachel Choong (England, SS 6) Helle Sofie Sagoy (Norway, SL 4) Julie Thrane (Denmark, SU 5)

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org 1 PAGE 4

JAdapanesec Juboilantc asks Momot aS andt Okeuhaalra Stri keSh Singleso Gowlds

The demise of all defending champions as reigning champion for the first time in eight Dae/Yoo Yeon Seong (Korea) in the semi- well as the surprise success of English duo, matches. finals and then condemning China’s Chai Chris and Gabrielle Adcock (1), headlined Biao/ to the runners-up position for this year’s Dubai World Superseries Finals at However, Axelsen was thwarted by an the second straight year. Hamdan Sports Complex. impressive (2) in the final. The Japanese, who has now won each of his China did grab some of the spotlight Capable of bettering the best on their day, three Superseries finals, played unbeaten in as twins / (5) took the the married couple improved as the week the tournament, winning US$80,000 for his Women’s Doubles title, albeit in regrettable progressed and capped their sensational efforts. circumstances. Their Danish rivals, Christinna run with a straight-games victory in the Mixed Pedersen/Kamilla Rytter Juhl, were unable Doubles showdown versus a pair they had China’s Yihan hadn’t won a title all year to complete the match owing to Pedersen’s never beaten. and might have sensed an opportunity when upset stomach. she made the Women’s Singles showpiece in Denying Korea’s Ko Sung Hyun and Kim Ha Dubai. Unfortunately, her opponent Nozomi Na the year-end championship with a clinical Okuhara (3) was unstoppable and Wang 21-14, 21-17 victory, the Adcocks celebrated was beaten in straight games as their second World Superseries title, adding celebrated a singles sweep – a flashback to to the Yonex-Sunrise Open they the BWF World Junior Championships 2012 won in 2013. finals when Momota and Okuhara stood atop the podium for their country. “I am in shock and I can’t believe we won. I am overwhelmed with emotion,” said Gabby. Here were their young guns again – “This is a very big win as the Korean pair proving they have come of age among an have been good all year.” experienced crowd! Her husband was equally overwhelmed, Men’s Doubles stars, Mohammad Ahsan/ noting: “We have fought hard to put things Hendra Setiawan (4), endured a lean spell 5 right all week as there have been some really after winning the World title in August, but tough matches.” the Indonesians turned it around in Dubai, beating defending champions Lee Yong Meanwhile, the trend of upsets continued in the singles categories. On the men’s side, world No.1 of China was upstaged by in the semi-finals – the Dane finally coming good against the

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DUBAI WORLD SUPERSERIES FINALS 2015

MS: Kento Momota (JPN) bt Viktor Axelsen (DEN) 21-15 21-12 WS: (JPN) bt (CHN) 22-20 21-18 MD: Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan (INA) bt /Hong Wei (CHN) 13-21 21-14 21-14 WD: Luo Ying/Luo Yu (CHN) bt Christinna Pedersen/Kamilla Rytter Juhl (DEN) 14-21 21-9 14-4 retired. XD: /Gabrielle Adcock (ENG) bt Ko Sung Hyun/Kim Ha Na (KOR) 21-14 21-17

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org PAGE 5

Male Player of the Year - Chen Long Most Promising Player of the Year - Zheng Si Wei Female Player of the Year - Carolina Marin

Marin Emulates Martin Two of the year’s hottest players were toasted on a cool, breezy December night “I didn’t expect to get this; I thought would win it because she’s as they clinched the Players of the Year awards in Dubai. had a great year as well,” Marin said. Unlike last season, it was a much closer contest in the three categories. “I’m very happy, because it’s affirming that you did something great during the year. Earlier this season I won the fans’ vote in Indonesia for the Most Female Player of the Year Carolina Marin became only the second European Popular Player, so it’s been a very good year for me with these two awards.” woman after Denmark’s in 1999 to receive the award (from 1998 to 2007, there was a sole recipient from both male and female categories). Chen Long retained his Male Player of the Year award thanks to five World Marin’s success mirrored Men’s Singles No.1 Chen Long’s, with five World Superseries crowns and the BWF World Championships gold medal that Superseries crowns and a second straight World title. The Spaniard dominated he won in August. Chen, who also spearheaded China’s defence of the the season in Women’s Singles as no other player won more than two titles on the at home, won the recognition ahead of Korea’s Men’s 12-tournament MetLife BWF World Superseries circuit. Doubles duo Lee Yong Dae/Yoo Yeon Seong - who had an exceptional campaign with six Superseries titles, four of them on the trot – and China’s Another favourite for Female title was last year’s recipient, China’s Zhao Yunlei, successful doubles player, Nan. who shone yet again, retaining her two World Championships (Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles) and winning eight Superseries. The other nominees were “I’m thankful to BWF for this award as it will motivate me to do better,” said Zhao’s compatriot, , and India’s . Chen. “I’m lucky to have got this award twice as there are many other accomplished players on the circuit.” China dominated the nominations for the Most Promising Player of the Year ( Award), with , , and Zheng Si Wei in contention alongside Japan’s . Zheng Si Wei got the nod given the extent of his success – double crowns in three events including the World Junior Championships 2015, New Zealand Open GPG and the Badminton Asia Junior Championships that signalled him as the most exciting young talent for fans to watch.

‘SINGLES’ STYLE

I T UP! Chou Tien Chen and are pretty good on the badminton court but it was their fashion and flair rather than their strokes that stood out at the Players’ Reception and Gala Dinner in Dubai.

Dapper with his bow tie and jacket combination, Chinese Men’s Singles player, Chou, was adjudged the Best Dressed Male.

Meanwhile, Intanon showed she is not only world class on the court. The Thai Women’s Singles snatched the bragging rights among the females with a short, black, off-the shoulder dress.

See Page 3 for Para-Badminton Players of the Year Awards

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org PAGE 6

Dutch players – (left), (second left) and – were treated to a helicopter tour of , with Brazilian player, Ygor Coelho de Oliveira (right), as their guide.

The BWF Shuttle Time project in Vidigal received a special visit from China’s Men’s Doubles duo, Wang Yilv (right; black shirt) and (left; white shirt).

Lohaynny Vicente was among the Brazilian players BWF Secretary General, Thomas Lund (left); BWF Chair who competed in the YONEX Brasil Open 2015. of Events, Peter Tarcala (centre); and BWF Chair of Development, David Cabello; led the BWF delegation at the Rio 2016 Test Event.

Chinese top gun Dan (centre) was welcomed to Austria’s (centre) was among the elite by Rio 2016 Sports Director, Rodrigo Garcia (right), at players who participated in a training clinic for Brazilian youth. a press conference in which BWF Secretary General, Thomas Lund, also participated. Rio 2016 Badminton

The– eyes P of the utbadminton world twere ono At the the same time, the Badminton T Worldest players visiting a Shuttle Time project in a the YONEX Brasil Open 2015 which doubled Federation and Rio 2016 officials tested hillside community (favela) while Austrian as the Rio 2016 Test Event, operational processes and other key and Cuban athletes shared their badminton bringing more than the accustomed spotlight elements such as wind flow. knowledge at a training clinic for talented to the Grand Prix tournament in Rio de Brazilian youth players. Janeiro. “We’re using this Grand Prix to test the facilities here; organizational and other areas Meanwhile, badminton stardust – in the that will be important at the Olympic Games. Athletes from various countries – including There are also Olympic stakeholders who are presence of superstar veteran, – Austria, , China, Czech Republic, testing the results system. This is the Olympic graced the 24-29 November event as the , India, Lithuania, , venue so we are trying to test as much as two-time, reigning Olympic gold medallist Spain and the hosts, Brazil – seized the possible,” explained BWF Chair of Events, scouted the surroundings in which he will opportunity to get a taste of the conditions Peter Tarcala. seek an unprecedented hat-trick. The inside 4 in Barra where badminton 32-year-old Men’s Singles legend proved a will be held during the Summer Games in The world-governing body also engaged crowd pleaser, leading a Chinese rout of all August. in promotional activities with elite Chinese five categories.

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org PAGE 7

His Royal Highness, The Earl of Wessex, has received the BWF President’s Medal for 25 years of royal patronage to BADMINTONscotland.

Earl of Wessex Presenting the award before the start of the Scottish Open Grand Prix finals in , BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer noted: “His Royal Highness has contributed greatly to the growth of badminton Honoured in over the last 25 years and the President’s Medal is in appreciation of all that he has done for our sport.”

A citation tracing the relationship between the Earl of Wessex and BADMINTONscotland, stated His Royal Highness has appeared at virtually every major event and has visited on many other occasions. The first of these visits was at the Scottish Open at Meadowbank in 1990. Most recently, he showed support for Scotland’s team at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

“Badminton World Federation is delighted that one of its committed founder members, BADMINTONscotland, has benefited enormously from such distinguished royal patronage,” the citation read. BADMINTONscotland Chief Executive Anne Smillie underlined the “incalculable value” of royal patronage.

“It has played a very significant role in attaining for BADMINTONscotland the prestige it currently enjoys both at home and around the world. The degree of His Royal Highness’s involvement in and the depth of his knowledge of our sport is a source of great pride to us and the envy of many other organisations.

“I would like, on behalf of BADMINTONscotland, to congratulate His Royal Highness on his 25 years of unstinting service, to offer our deep gratitude and appreciation for his continuing support, and to express the sincere hope that we may have his support for many years to come.”

BADMINTONscotland President Dan Travers paid further tribute to the loyal and dedicated support of His Royal Highness, who in response modestly played down his role of Patron by stating he was merely “leader of the Supporters Club!”

The Earl of Wessex is the third recipient of the BWF’s highest individual honour, awarded to a person or persons who have contributed significantly to badminton.

BWF Joins Paralympic Family Badminton World Federation became a IPC member. Three other international member of the International Paralympic federations were also accorded IPC Committee (IPC) on 15 November at its 17th membership; the World Taekwondo General Assembly in Mexico City. Federation, the International Sailing Federation and the International Federation BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer and BWF of CP (Cerebral Palsy) Football. In total, Chair – Para-Badminton Paul Kurzo attended nine new organisations were approved for the two-day meeting which included an membership; the other five being National information day for IPC membership. This Paralympic Committees (NPCs). latest achievement further cements ties between BWF and the global governing Additionally, the IPC Governing Board body of the Paralympic Movement and approved venues for 19 of the 22 sports follows last year’s historic inclusion of para- at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, badminton on the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic including para-badminton which will share Games sports programme. Yoyogi National Stadium with wheelchair rugby. “We are pleased to be admitted to membership of the IPC. It is an important Following the evaluation of the Rio 2016 step in serving our athletes with impairments Paralympic Games sports programme and we look forward to a strong and in late 2016, details of the Tokyo 2020 wonderful relationship with IPC and working together for the betterment of para-sports in sports programme will be announced in general and para-badminton in particular,” early 2017. BWF will then know how many said Høyer. athletes it will be allocated and thereafter can announce the programme of Sport Classes and qualification which will take BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer shows off the BWF Prior to Sunday’s formal vote by the certificate of membership after receiving it from IPC General Assembly, BWF was a provisional place in late 2017/early 2018. President Sir Philip Craven (left).

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org PAGE 8 SHUTTLING

TWomen’s H Singles provedRO the most competitiveU WhenG it came toH the crunch, the2015 world’s best – breaking new ground by venturing into discipline in 2015, with players of varied players demonstrated their class. Four of five badminton, particularly with the company’s title nationalities capturing the big prizes. One reigning World champions defended their sponsorship of BWF Major Events. measure of how much has changed was that crowns in last August. China’s Chen China, winners of nine of 12 titles on the MetLife Long was too strong for resurgent Malaysian *** BWF World Superseries in 2014, only picked up in the Men’s Singles final, while three this year. Spain – in the dominant presence Spain’s Carolina Marin repeated her Yonex All of Japan, of the of Carolina Marin – collected five tour titles while England final win over India’s Saina Nehwal Netherlands and China’s became Saina Nehwal (India), Nozomi Okuhara (Japan), to keep the Women’s Singles World crown. the newest members of the BWF Athletes’ Ratchanok Intanon (Thailand) and Sung Ji Hyun China’s Zhao Yunlei (6) achieved the rare feat Commission. Ikeda and Ridder were voted onto (Korea) underlined the evenness of the elite of retaining her Women’s Doubles (with Tian the commission during the Vivo BWF Sudirman field. Meanwhile, Olympic champion Li Xuerui of Qing) and Mixed Doubles (with ) Cup in May, joining Yuhan Tan (Belgium) (4), China hinted at a return to form with two late- titles. It was left to Indonesia’s Mohammad Hans-Kristian Vittinghus (Denmark) and Greysia season Superseries Premier titles in Denmark Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan to change the script. Polii (Indonesia). Tang Yuanting was elected and China. The pair finished the tournament in memorable automatically as the lone female nominee. style, capturing Men’s Doubles honours in front Tan later assumed the chairmanship of the Early 2015 saw a riveting contest between Marin boisterous home fans. Commission, taking over from Emma Mason and Nehwal (3) for the world No.1 ranking – the who served two years in that capacity. Ridder first time a player from either country had been *** is Deputy Chair. in the reckoning for that spot. Nehwal reached the summit first but Marin had the satisfaction of BWF and energy giant Total (5) sealed a multi- ending the season at the top. million-dollar deal covering BWF Major Events and the MetLife BWF World Superseries from Other highlights on the circuit were: Chen 2015 until 2018. The sponsorship agreement, Long’s (2) emergence from the shadows of announced at the start of the year, saw Total his legendary Chinese compatriot, Lin Dan, – which previously focused on 3 as the world’s leading Men’s Singles player; the continued reign of Zhang Nan/Zhao Yunlei (China) in Mixed Doubles while Korea’s Ko Sung Hyun/Kim Ha Na rose to prominence as worthy challengers; and the stunning success of Korean Men’s Doubles duo, Lee Yong Dae/ Yoo Yeon Seong (1); winning six Superseries, 2 including a sweep of four straight.

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BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org PAGE 9 Continued from Page 8

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badminton to become a compulsory sport on the Summer Universiade programme from 2021.

*** IOC President Thomas Bach (8) praised the BWF for its record in ensuring badminton’s integrity during a visit to Badminton Association implementation in the in April of Malaysia’s National Training Centre in July. and staying on track for a landmark 100 “The BWF with President Poul-Erik Høyer has implementations in early 2016. The BWF’s done an excellent job with respect to integrity grassroots development project now has of badminton,” said Bach, who was in Kuala resources available in 17 languages and is Lumpur for the 128th IOC Session. Wang Wenjiao and Dr. Puzant Kassabian (9) continually expanding its outreach with the were honoured at a gala ceremony ahead of recent launch of the BWF Shuttle Time Facebook In other IOC news, the BWF also agreed a BWF’s Annual General Meeting in Dongguan, page which will soon be followed by a website. change of venue for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic China, in May. The pair received two of the BWF’s A Shuttle Time app is also on the horizon. Games. Following discussions with the Tokyo top administrative honours for the previous 2020 Local Organizing Committee and the IOC, year, marking outstanding service to the sport. A highlight of this year’s Shuttle Time progress the BWF Council expressed confidence that Former Chinese head coach Wang received the was a visit by elite Chinese Men’s Doubles pair, badminton’s relocation to Musashino presented BWF’s Lifetime Achievement Award while his Wang Yilv and Zhang Wen (10), to one of the the opportunity to host a highly successful Bulgarian counterpart was bestowed with the Brazilian communities in which badminton is badminton event. Distinguished Service Award. The BWF Women thriving thanks to Shuttle Time. The duo took in Badminton Award was conferred upon Val time out from playing in the YONEX Brasil Open *** Nesbitt of Australia. 2015 – the Rio 2016 Olympic Games test event – to share their knowledge with youth. BWF introduced its new integrity campaign (7) – i Later in the year, Yonex founder Minoru am badminton – to the sport’s future stars during Yoneyama received BWF’s highest honour – *** the Yonex BWF World Junior Championships the President’s Medal – from BWF President in Lima, Peru, in November. More than 300 Poul-Erik Høyer. The Earl of Wessex was also BWF was made a member of the International athletes competing in Lima and their entourage honoured with the same award for 25 years of Paralympic Committee (IPC) at its 17th General engaged in activities designed to enhance their royal patronage to BADMINTONscotland. Assembly in Mexico City. This followed the understanding of the initiative’s key messages; historic inclusion of para-badminton in 2014 all of which are ultimately about protecting *** on the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games sports badminton from any threats which could harm its programme. Another boost for BWF was the reputation as a clean, fair and honourable sport. BWF’s Shuttle Time programme continued acceptance by the International University Sports This initiative was later presented to elite players to set new benchmarks, notching its 90th Federation (FISU) (11) of BWF’s application for at the Dubai World Superseries Finals.

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org PAGE 10

China’s ‘Suhandinata’ Success and Doubles Treble YONEX BWF WORLD JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS 2015 Surviving a semi-final scare, China (3) There was more glory for in the retained the Suhandinata Cup for a record individual championships as budding Men’s (EYE LEVEL CUPS) tenth time and captured all three doubles Singles star, Lu Chia Hung (2), was crowned MS: Lu Chia Hung (TPE) bt Siril Verma (IND) events at the YONEX BWF World Junior the king of world juniors in his final outing at 17-21 21-10 21-7 Championships in Lima, Peru, in November. this level. Malaysia celebrated gold and silver in Women’s Singles as the diminutive Goh Jin WS: (MAS) bt (MAS) Having come from behind to beat Japan 3-2 Wei – aged 15 – beat her team-mate Lee Ying 21-15 21-16 for a place in the final of the BWF World Junior Ying for the title (4). Mixed Team Championship, the title holders MD: / (CHN) bt /Frederik Søgaard Mortensen (DEN) 21-14 21-16 made no mistake versus Indonesia (1), Meanwhile, China’s Chen Qingchen earned her fourth and fifth World Junior gold trouncing their rivals 3-0. The young Chinese WD: Chen Qingchen/ (CHN) bt won Mixed Doubles, then Men’s Singles medals, winning the Mixed Doubles title for the third straight year and repeating as / (CHN) 21-18 13-21 21-11 and finally Men’s Doubles to ensure they left Women’s Doubles champion. She teamed South America with their honour intact. up with Zheng Siwei for top honours in the XD: Zheng Siwei/Chen Qingchen (CHN) bt He Jiting and Du Yue (CHN) 21-19 21-8 Mixed category (7) and partnered Jia Yifan While losing semi-finalists – Chinese Taipei successfully in Women’s Doubles (5). and Japan – both received bronze medals, BWF WORLD JUNIOR MIXED Chinese Taipei wrested bragging rights Zheng – later named BWF Most Promising from the Japanese, winning their third-place Player of the Year – also took home two TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS 2015 play-off 3-0; their best-ever finish in the golds, winning Men’s Doubles with He Jiting (SUHANDINATA CUP) Suhandinata Cup’s 15-year history. (6) to secure a golden treble for China. Final: China bt Indonesia 3-0 (won Mixed Doubles, Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles) 2

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BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org PAGE 11 Shuttle Time’s ‘Sustainability’ Saluted Badminton World Federation has been recognised with a TAFISA Sustainability Award for its grassroots programme, Shuttle Time.

TAFISA President, Professor Ju-Ho Chang (left), and TAFISA Secretary General Wolfgang Baumann (right) presented the award to BWF in October at TAFISA’s gala dinner in Budapest, Hungary.

These festivities were part of the TAFISA (The Association For International Sport for All) World Congress 2015, held from October 14 to 18. The five-day meeting was attended by more than 400 delegates from 71 countries. Attendees included the EU Commissioner on Sports, IOC officials, and the sports ministers of Hungary and Indonesia.

BWF Development Manager John Shearer (centre) represented badminton’s world-governing body and showcased Shuttle Time; providing an overview of the programme as well as BWF’s development principles and how Shuttle Time is delivered globally through BWF’s continental confederations, member associations and various partners.

“BWF is pleased to be recognised for our development work. Receiving this award is further validation that we are on the right path and developing badminton with a sustainable long-term focus. It is great encouragement for us and our entire membership who are dedicated to our development goals,” said BWF Development Chair, David Cabello.

“On behalf of BWF, thank you to TAFISA. We look forward to continued good relations with our colleagues at TAFISA.”

Glasgow to Welcome Coaches Badminton World Federation and ; Denmark’s former World Mixed BADMINTONscotland will co-host the World Doubles champion and Coaching Conference next year. Britain’s renowned athletics coach and mentor Frank Dick OBE were keynote speakers along The forum, which seeks to enhance the with staff from the University of Saarbrucken’s knowledge and development of badminton Sports Science department, who have done coaches, will coincide with the TOTAL BWF research into badminton. World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, in August and follows similar conferences More recently, at the Dubai World Superseries on the sidelines of other top tournaments. Finals in December, five-time European The Coaching Conference will be held at champion , two-time European gold Scotstoun’s National Badminton Academy medallist Xu Huaiwen and former Denmark while the World Championships will be staged national coach Kenneth Larsen were featured at Emirates Arena. presenters.

Announcing this initiative, BWF Chair of Meanwhile, BADMINTONscotland Chief Development and Sport for All, David Cabello Executive, Anne Smillie, noted that (at right), said the world-governing body organisation’s “great track record of staging “looks forward to hosting this conference, in major world events” and assured that “we are partnership with BADMINTONscotland which determined to make the conference just as has a long history of staging world-class successful as the many major tournaments we events”. have organised”. “I am sure the World Coaching Conference “This again reflects the confidence BWF have in Glasgow will be the biggest and most in us. It is a chance for coaches from all over comprehensive to date. Our aim is to provide the world to come to Glasgow and learn from world-class speakers who will educate and experts in the field of coaching, development inspire our badminton coaches who play an and sports science and we are particularly instrumental role in developing athletes. keen for as many of our own coaches to benefit from the conference. Their future development “It is vital BWF provide these opportunities for will be part of the legacy we can build on from coaches to access world-class education and World Championships week,” she said. professional development.” “Our aim is to make it the best conference yet At the BWF World Championships in and we will be looking for some high-calibre in 2014, Indonesia’s former keynote speakers from the world of sport, not Olympic and World Men’s Doubles champion, just badminton, to pass on their knowledge.”

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org PAGE 12 Special Olympics Embrace BWF Shuttle Time Badminton World Federation President Chief of Sports for Special Olympics Poul-Erik Høyer has stressed the world- International, Lee Todd, joined Høyer governing body’s responsibility to reach in signing the proclamation, noting that out to all sectors of badminton’s global Shuttle Time “can provide guidance and fraternity, following the signing of a structure for athletes and coaches in the proclamation with Special Olympics Special Olympics world”. International. BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer (left) and Chief of “Special Olympics is delighted to have Sports for Special Olympics International, Lee Todd, Noting that BWF must offer assistance the support of the Badminton World sign the proclamation between the Badminton World wherever and however possible, he Federation as we strive to share the Federation and Special Olympics International. upheld the new partnership as “an benefits and grow the great sport of important opportunity to support the badminton with our 4.5 million athletes, Special Olympics community and to 1 million coaches and thousands of sport grow the sport in a new and untapped officials through expanded competition direction”. opportunities. Already there are more than 110,000 Special Olympics “We have seen the activities which badminton athletes being trained by Special Olympics International has 20,000 coaches across 69 countries,” already created and we believe together, he said, adding that partnering with BWF with our expertise, we can get more presents the potential to “double our people playing badminton which is our programme”. collective goal,” he said. “Through this agreement, Special In this regard, BWF will support coach Olympics will now be able to further training and education within the Special promote the development and Olympics workforce on a regional basis, enhancement of badminton, leading to utilising the BWF grassroots development more opportunities for our athletes and programme, Shuttle Time. the training of Special Olympics athletes as officials.” “Shuttle Time is offered in 17 languages now and this allows us to share these The signing took place ahead of the resources with many nationalities Yonex 2015 finals and was globally. We are pleased that Special marked by a brief demonstration, with Olympics has seen a value in our two French Special Olympics badminton programme and we look forward to athletes, Guillaume Roy and Yoann working with our colleagues in building Devidts, playing with French national badminton in Special Olympics representatives, Pierrick Cajot and Guillaume Roy (right) partnered Thomas Vallez community.” Thomas Vallez. in the badminton demonstration BWF and UNOSDP in Partnership Badminton World Federation and the United “The aim of the Youth Leadership Programme is Nations Office on Sport for Development and to teach disadvantaged youth, at the grassroots Peace (UNOSDP) recently signed a Letter of level, how to use sport to bring about positive Intent to collaborate – using BWF’s Shuttle Time transformation in their communities. Badminton programme – on grassroots development. has recognized potential for accelerating development and peace efforts, and through the Cooperation will primarily be channelled Shuttle Time training it will become a valuable through the UNOSDP Youth Leadership asset to young role models striving to change Programme which BWF has already supported the world for better. this year with Shuttle Time training at camps in Colombia, Germany and the USA receiving “This is a win-win situation. We can do something great feedback. Next year, BWF will support four for you and you can do something for us,” Youth Leadership Camps with the provision of said Lemke, adding that he was enthralled by resources and tutors who will deliver an adapted badminton having watched Indian star, Saina Shuttle Time course to Youth Leaders. BWF Nehwal’s match. will facilitate opportunities for Youth Leaders to become involved in Shuttle Time projects in BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer welcomed the UN Special Adviser on Sport for Development and their country in partnership with BWF continental partnership with UNOSDP to enrich the lives Peace, Wilfried Lemke (right), admires a token of confederations and member associations. of disadvantaged populations worldwide while appreciation from BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer underlining BWF’s goal to develop grassroots (left) after signing the Letter of Intent. The signing ceremony took place in October badminton globally. at Stade Pierre de Coubertin during the Yonex Shuttle Time is now on the curriculum for UNOSDP French Open 2015. UN Special Adviser on “If we can contribute to a better life for others, Youth Leaders Camps and courses will be developed Sport for Development and Peace, Wilfried what better way than to cooperate with the UN; on a regional basis, using Shuttle Time’s 17 language Lemke, joined BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer to help those who we can assist and to tackle versions accordingly. in formalizing the agreement between the two social issues globally? organisations and upheld badminton as a great For more information on the UNOSDP Youth sport through which “to support people from “Badminton can be played everywhere, indoors Leadership Programme, please see: disadvantaged backgrounds; to give them a or outdoors. We want every child to have a http://www.un.org/wcm/content/site/sport/ chance in society”. racket in their hand – to have fun!” home/unplayers/unoffice/YLC

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org