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Home , 1976 Thomas Cup, 2006 Korea Open, 2011 BWF Super Series, 2016 in badminton, 2018 BWF World Tour, Akane Yamaguchi

SHUTTLMAY – JULY 2019 / EDITION NO. 26 E WORLD

WORLD OF THEIR OWN 3 Long before he became the architect of ’s success, Park Joo Bong (1) etched his name in his Korean compatriots’ hearts and in history, winning a record five 1 medals (two men’s doubles; three mixed doubles). 2 It’s an honour he shares with ’s Dan (3) (five men’s singles) and Zhao Yun Lei (2) (two women’s doubles; three mixed doubles). Lin is pictured here delighting in his second world title in 2007 while Zhao shows off her two gold medals from the 2015 World Championships.

HIGHLIGHTS

‘WORLDS’ OF OPPORTUNITY! (PAGES 5-6) SAFEGUARDING BADMINTON FOR THE FUTURE FROM MALMO (PAGES 12-13)

KEY DATES TO25 Amazing BASELYears of Badminton World Championships

29 July – Pan Am Games (Individual), 02 Aug For an event that started in the shadow When St. Jakobshalle lights up for 30 July – TOYOTA Open (WT Super 500), of the venerable All Open, the the opening day of the 25th World 04 Aug inaugural World Championships of 1977 Championships, there will be 359 players 04–11 Aug BWF World Senior Championships 2019, Katowice () enjoyed a fairly auspicious start. from 46 countries waiting to script their stories at the world’s premier individual 19–25 Aug TOTAL BWF World Championships 2019, The Malmo Ice Hockey Stadium hosted championships. Today, the event – 22–25 Aug African Games 2019 (Mixed Team), Casablanca 135 participants from 26 countries supported by TOTAL, HSBC, YONEX, 27 Aug – African Games 2019 (Individual), Casablanca 01 Sep – quite an impressive number for the GoDaddy, ALPS, hosts Swiss Badminton time – and although the numbers have and the city of Basel – has achieved the 03–08 Sep YONEX Chinese Open (WT Super 300), Taipei City rocketed since then, the momentum that kind of global following that few in 1977

17–22 Sep VICTOR (WT Super 1000), was set by the first World Championships would have dreamt possible. provided the thrust for this tournament to 24–29 Sep (WT Super 500), reach continuously greater heights. Continued on Page 4 30 Sep – BWF World Junior Championships (Mixed Team), 05 Oct ()

07–13 Oct BWF World Junior Championships (Individual), Kazan 15–20 Oct DANISA Open (WT Super 750),

22–27 Oct YONEX (WT Super 750),

29 Oct – Open (WT Super 300), Macau 03 Nov

www.bwfbadminton.com EDITORIAL PAGE 2

Dear Colleagues and Friends Continental Vice President for Oceania. They join current serving Continental Vice Presidents The global badminton community has been Michel Bau (Africa) and Vishu Tolan (Pan Am). abuzz about AirBadminton since mid-May, discussing the endless possibilities for further Additionally, BWF is happy to have another developing our sport. International Olympic Committee Member among our ranks, with the election of Odette Thanks to the evolution of our new outdoor Assembe Engoulou – President of the shuttlecock – the AirShuttle – we are putting Badminton Federation of Cameroon – as one in place the structure for people of all ages and of 10 new IOC Members at the 134th IOC abilities to play badminton on hard, grass and Session in late June. Congratulations on your sand surfaces around the world in our new election, Odette. game: AirBadminton. On the court, I wish to applaud China’s The AirShuttle has increased resistance to outstanding victory in the TOTAL BWF Sudirman wind compared to the traditional shuttlecock, Cup 2019, recapturing the BWF World Mixed helping people to experience a more positive Team Championships which they lost two introduction to the sport in an outdoor years ago in Gold Coast. It was a magnificent Poul-Erik Høyer environment. It was amazing to share the performance by the hosts, with their young BWF President prospect of playing badminton outdoors with stars leading from the front, and it augurs well the world at our global launch and we were for China with the 2020 thrilled with the enthusiastic response and to next year. Also, well done to Japan for reaching receive so much interest. the final and to and Thailand for capturing bronze. We are keenly aware that our membership is eager to pursue this opportunity and we Thank you to the Chinese Badminton are working diligently towards finalising Association and to the tournament the mass production and distribution organisers in for a superb event of the AirShuttle and to collaborating and wonderful hospitality. with our Member Associations to deliver AirBadminton worldwide. Before closing, I must of course pay tribute to one of badminton’s greatest treasures – Lee I am truly excited about this bold initiative which Chong Wei. His retirement leaves a void that the Badminton World Federation has taken may never be filled for the sheer immensity of and what it means for badminton’s future in his achievements and the dazzling flair with the massively-competitive international sports which he played for two decades. As fans, marketplace. It has tremendous potential for we will miss his showmanship, his unerring the development of badminton at all levels and dedication to his craft and, yes, his rivalry with we are fully committed to exploring all options . We are aware of his more-important – from providing a pathway for increased battle off-court in the past year and we pray for global participation in the sport, to opening his continued recovery and good health. doors for a new, highly-attractive form of competitive badminton. Thank you, , for your service to badminton. We trust you will stay close to the Strategically, AirBadminton will allow us to fulfil sport and that upcoming generations will have our overall objective of putting a badminton the chance to learn from you. racket in the hands of as many people as possible and to inspire more people to play Finally, as we count down to the historic joint more badminton in more places. hosting of the TOTAL BWF World Championships 2019 and the TOTAL BWF Para-Badminton Preparations are ongoing regarding the mass World Championships 2019 in Basel, I wish production of the AirShuttle and there is still all competitors well for this mega-event. Best a long way to go in the implementation of wishes also to the hosts, Swiss Badminton, for AirBadminton, but this has been an exciting undertaking this twin-championships feat – first step and we are eager to see what the another first for badminton! future holds once the AirShuttle is ready for global distribution. We look forward to great action and passion from our players in both tournaments and In other news, I am pleased to congratulate to crowning new champions when the final Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul on her shuttles fall. election as BWF Deputy President at our Annual General Meeting in Nanning, China, Good luck, everyone! and to welcome Kinji Zeniya as a BWF Council Member. I look forward to working with them and I am confident both will contribute meaningfully to the BWF during their two-year terms. I also wish to welcome the new Continental Vice Presidents for Asia (Jassem Kanso) and Europe (João Matos) as well as Geraldine Brown who was re-elected Poul-Erik Høyer

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NEW PARA BADMINTON CHAPTER IN BASEL Basel will make history with an estimated 240 of his five events – he emerged champion in , Para badminton athletes competing alongside Dubai, Uganda and Ireland. The only title that eluded their able-bodied peers at their respective World him was the Para-Badminton International, Championships, being held jointly for the first time. where he fell in a thrilling semifinal to England’s Daniel Bethell, 22-20 in the third. Given Para badminton’s inclusion in the programme at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, there is Indonesia will count on No.2 Ukun Rukaendi, obviously heightened excitement around this runner-up to England’s Daniel Bethell in Canada, tournament. Ranking points earned at the TOTAL includes Xu Tingting (No.2) and Li Hongyan (No.10). and on Dheva Anrimusthi in SU 5, who has had a BWF Para-Badminton World Championships 2019 brilliant season, winning the singles in all four of his will count towards Tokyo 2020 and therefore Liu’s compatriot Qu Zimao appears to be the player tournaments. Anrimusthi returned with a double competitors will be much more motivated to excel. to beat in WH 1. Qu won a triple crown in Turkey, at three of these, marking him as a prolific winner, followed by two titles in Dubai, at the only two alongside women’s Leani Ratri Oktila (5). The The one rivalry that currently stirs Para badminton tournaments he played in this year. But WH 1 has latter has barely done a thing wrong through the fans is that between Korea’s Kim Jungjun (1) a number of contenders, with Qu’s challengers season – she won a double in Turkey and Dubai, and and ’s Chan Ho Yuen (2) in men’s predominantly from Korea - Lee Sam Seop (No.1), a triple crown in Canada and Ireland. singles Wheelchair (WH 2). Kim was unbeaten in Choi Jung Man (No.3) and Canada winner Lee Dong international competition until Chan inflicted his first Seop (No.5). The competition in men’s singles Short Stature (SS defeat on him, at the Australian Para-Badminton 6) has been riveting. Hong Kong’s Chu Man Kai International last November. Swiss hopes hinge largely on Karin Suter-Erath in triumphed in Turkey, ’s Nagar Krishna in Dubai women’s singles WH 1, but she faces some stiff and Uganda, England’s Jack Shephard in Canada, Since then, the two athletes have met in four finals competition, notably in the form of ’s and his compatriot Krysten Coombs in Ireland. World this year, splitting the honours evenly. While Chan Valeska Knoblauch (3), who beat her in the Canada champion Shephard, who was BWF Para-Badminton beat Kim in Turkey and Canada, Kim got the better Para-Badminton International final and leads the Player of the Year in 2018, had a relatively slow start of his rival in Dubai and Ireland. The stage is thus set rankings. Thailand’s Sujirat Pookkham, who hasn’t to the season, going down in the semifinals to Nagar for a dramatic showdown between three-time singles been seen in competitions this year, and Irish Para- Krishna in Turkey and Dubai, before his memorable world champion Kim and his biggest challenger. Badminton International winner Sarina Satomi are triumph in Canada. also among the top contenders. Kim has inspired several players, but none more so In the women’s SS 6, England’s Rachel Choong than women’s singles WH 2 ace Liu Yutong, who The standing categories have seen India and (6) will return to the spotlight after missing all seeks to emulate his achievements in her category. Indonesia dominate this year. The men’s singles tournaments this year. The triple world champion Liu won both her events this year – the Dubai Standing Lower (SL 3), for instance, has three Indians from 2015 and 2017 will be hoping to strike it International and the Turkish International, and is in the top 10, led by Pramod Bhagat (4) in first place. rich once again after spending months away from at the head of her country’s challenge in WH 2, that Bhagat has had an exceptional season, winning four the action.

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Steen Skovgaard (right) and Lene Køppen (Denmark) – the first mixed doubles world champions.

Lene Køppen (Denmark) – the first women’s singles (Denmark) – the first world champion. men’s singles world champion. (right) and Johan Wahjudi (Indonesia) – the first Etsuko Toganoo (left) and Emiko men’s doubles world champions. Ueno (Japan) – the first women’s doubles world champions.

Continued from Page 1 five gold medals; Lin Dan and Zhao Yun Lei Recent years have shown that no single followed in his footsteps. Players like Gao country is dominant in any category. In its 42-year journey, the World Ling, , Yun/Fu Hai Feng and Women’s singles has seen an explosion of Championships has been a distinct marker have all left their indelible talent from various countries; China’s last of the evolution of badminton. mark on the sport, winning multiple titles. victory was in 2011. Japan’s strength in Carolina Marin – the first to win three women’s doubles halted China’s march last The first World Championships, for women’s singles gold medals – has already year. In men’s singles too, there is exciting instance, saw Lene Køppen win gold in achieved much and promises more. talent from countries like Denmark, India, singles and doubles. At the next edition, Indonesia and Japan. Verawaty Wiharjo was close to emulating China entered the World Championships her, returning with a gold in singles and after the first two editions and has Given the form of the top players a in doubles. Players like Thomas demonstrated the ability to come good at this season, there is an element of Kihlstrom and – medallists at each edition. Indeed, China’s least profitable unpredictability about what may unfold in different editions – were adept in singles World Championships came back in the the Swiss city hosting this year’s spectacle. and doubles. early 1990s – when they won a solitary gold The presence of the 1977 medallists in medal in 1993 and 1995 when Indonesia Basel will make this an even more special Over the years, however, the increasing were at their peak. Since then, the resurgent occasion as the badminton community specialisation of singles and doubles Chinese have won at least two gold at every waits to see which players will seize has meant that these are now nearly edition; on three occasions – 1987, 2010 this historic two exclusive worlds, and the World and 2011 – they have swept the board. 25th Championships of the past three edition decades have demonstrated that Much of their China’s dominance was of the World Køppen’s achievement will possibly never thanks to women’s singles and women’s Championships be matched. doubles. They won 15 out of 17 women’s to add their singles titles between 1983 and 2011, names to the Not that there is a dearth of other titanic while in women’s doubles, they won 20 out sport’s illustrious feats. Park Joo Bong was the first to win of 21 gold medals from 1983 to 2017. annals.

Cai Yun and Fu Hai Feng of China have a ’s Carolina Marin has record four and Sui (right) won a record been the stand-out women’s men’s doubles three women’s doubles World Championships Indonesia’s Liliyana Natsir singles player at the World world titles. together. Three of their Chinese compatriots – won her fourth mixed Championships, capturing a Guan Wei Zhen, and – also doubles world title record three titles. have three in that category. at 2017.

www.bwfbadminton.com PAGE 5 ‘WORLDS’ OF OPPORTUNITY! What a difference a year can make! compatriots Wang Yi Lyu/Huang Dong Ping at the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals – which was Last year at this time, the circuit was avenged at the Open this year. dominated by distinct players/pairs: (1) (men’s singles), Tai Tzu Ying Any pair that hopes to claim the world title in (women’s singles), / Basel will probably have to get past Zheng/ (men’s doubles), Huang. Those who have beaten them Japan in women’s doubles, and categories. The only exception, of course, is once – Wang/Huang, Thailand’s Dechapol Zheng Si Wei/Huang Ya Zheng/Huang, who have rarely let their foot Puavaranukroh/ (2), Qiong (mixed doubles). off the pedal. The reigning world champions Japan’s Yuta Watanabe/, and are heavily favoured to retain their crown Malaysia’s / – are A year later, while in Basel. all serious contenders at the Worlds, but all will these players are still know that it will take a monumental effort to heading the rankings, What makes Zheng/Huang exceptional upset the world’s best pair. there is no sense of is that they have never lost twice to the infallibility in four of same pair. Over the last year, they have The other categories are far more open. lost just four completed matches, to four Kento Momota might be world No.1 in men’s different pairs, even as they have claimed singles, but the aura that he carried in 1 10 individual titles. The most high- has dissipated. The player responsible for profile of these losses was to that is China’s , who twice destroyed the Japanese in high-stakes battles – in last year, and in the final this year.

Indonesia’s and ; China’s Shi, Long and Lin Dan, ’s Chou Tien Chen and India’s Kidambi Srikanth. Lin Dan, given his surprise win at the Malaysia Open, will back himself for his sixth world title – a monumental

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the five

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achievement should it In men’s doubles, Gideon and come to pass. Meanwhile, Sukamuljo have, like Momota and Denmark’s hopes may rest solely Tai, lost their glow. The Minions have on as his senior had an average season, and will peer, , is currently hope the lack of expectation works sidelined with persistent leg pains. in their favour as they seek their first world crown. Their chief challengers In women’s singles, Tai Tzu Ying are likely to be China’s Li Jun Hui/ (3) will hope to break her World Liu Yu Chen (4) and Han Cheng Kai/ Championships jinx. Last year she Zhou Hao Dong; Japan’s Takeshi was shocked in the quarterfinals; Kamura/ and Hiroyuki this year she has played relatively few Endo/Yuta Watanabe; Indonesian tournaments in the run-up to Basel. compatriots / Her performance at the Sudirman and / Cup was unconvincing due to fitness , and concerns, and it will be interesting Denmark’s /Anders to see if she can raise the Skaarup Rasmussen. bar in Basel. Japan have the aces in women’s doubles, with the three highest- ranked pairs led by reigning The champions / player . However, Japan most in focus are not the unstoppable force they will be were not so long ago. The revival Fei, the All England of fortunes of China’s Chen Qing champion who has won three Chen/Jia Yi Fan – who won the All tournaments this season besides England, the Malaysia Open and leading China to the Sudirman Cup the Championships title. However, women’s singles has this year – has opened the field, as 4 a recent tradition of being the most has the form of /Li Yin Hui, competitive of all categories, and her who beat two of the top Japanese challengers will be many, including pairs on their way to the German the likes of India’s Pusarla V Sindhu Open title. and , Japan’s and Other pairs, such as Indonesia’s and Thailand’s . /, Spain’s Carolina Marin is on the road ’s Stoeva sisters, and to recovery after a serious injury. If Korea’s Lee So Hee/Shin Seung she does play it will be a testament Chan and Kim So Yeong/Kong Hee to her determination as she seeks Yong (5), have the ability to go far in her fourth world title. the draw.

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www.bwfbadminton.com PAGE 7 AIRBADMINTON – THE NEW OUTDOOR GAME!

VIPs and junior players from Guangzhou officially launch AirBadminton.

In May, the Badminton World Federation Joining Høyer and Dong at the launch was (BWF) in collaboration with HSBC, its Global Global Head of Brand Partnerships, HSBC, Development Partner, successfully launched Jonathan Castleman; 2004 Olympic its new outdoor game – AirBadminton – and Games gold medallist, ; 2009 new outdoor shuttlecock – the AirShuttle – at women’s singles world champion, ; a ceremony in Guangzhou, China. and 2010 men’s singles world champion, . BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer officiated the launch alongside his opponent “Outdoor badminton is very exciting for the from the 1996 Olympic Games men’s sport. I think this has tremendous potential singles final, current Chinese national Para here in China and around the world,” badminton head coach . The pair said Dong. played the first ceremonious shots with the new AirShuttle while key members of the “It’s also great that it is an inclusive game that badminton community watched outside the can be enjoyed by people with disabilities.” Tianhe Gymnasium. BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer and Dong Jiong at the AirBadminton Global Launch in Guangzhou, China. The AirBadminton project started with a Høyer said AirBadminton would provide a vision to develop a new outdoor shuttlecock pathway for increased global participation in “Given that most people’s first experience with with increased durability, stability and wind the sport while opening doors for a new, highly badminton comes in an outdoor environment, resistance to allow people to have a more attractive form of competitive badminton. we are now making it easier for everyone to positive experience of badminton outdoors. access the sport through a new outdoor game “The launch in May was a momentous and new shuttlecock, the AirShuttle. The goal is for people of all ages and ability occasion for badminton. Strategically, to play badminton on hard, grass and AirBadminton will allow us to fulfil our overall “In the future, we see AirBadminton as an sand surfaces in parks, gardens, streets, objective of putting a badminton racket in exciting, new, energetic version of the sport. playgrounds, and beaches around the world. the hands of as many people as possible,” Overall, the aim is to inspire more people to he said. play more badminton in more places.” Continued on Page 8

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From left: Director General, Guangzhou Sports Bureau, Luo Jing Jun; Secretary General, Chinese Badminton Association, ; BWF President, Poul-Erik Høyer; Global Head of Brand Partnerships, HSBC, Jonathan Castleman; BWF Chair – Development & Sport For All Committee, David Cabello officially launch the AirShuttle.

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“It’s really about accessibility and inclusivity and getting more people to play badminton,” elaborated BWF Secretary General .

“It was great to share this new thinking with the world and we’re delighted to receive many expressions of interest to implement the outdoor game.

“We hope that AirBadminton will provide a AirBadminton is a lasting option for everyone to be involved fun and inclusive game for everyone. in sports.”

Castleman said: “(At HSBC) we believe sport is a force of good. Whether that’s in bringing Former women’s people together, keeping them fit and healthy singles world champion – both physically and mentally – or teaching Lu Lan enjoying the them skills such as teamwork, respect AirBadminton launch. and discipline.

“Our belief is that AirBadminton and the AirShuttle will go a long way to making badminton more accessible to more people in more places.”

BWF is now collaborating with its Member Associations to deliver AirBadminton to the masses, as well as finalising the mass production and distribution of the AirShuttle.

www.bwfbadminton.com PAGE 9 ONE FOR THE RECORDS The name Lee Chong Wei will echo in badminton’s pantheon for ages and highlights of his on-court wizardry will continue to be as in demand as he was in his playing days.

When the legendary Malaysian announced his retirement on 13 June, after 19 years as a professional, the statistics that underscore his greatness sprung to the fore – among the most prominent his reign as men’s Lee Chong Wei in flight. singles world No.1 for 200 consecutive weeks. BY THE It could well prove an insurmountable mark NUMBERS that stands as a monument to the enduring consistency of one of the sport’s most MEN’S SINGLES popular icons. Olympic Games: 3 Silver World Championships: 3 Silver : 3 Gold That number – 200 unbroken weeks at the : 1 Silver; 2 Bronze top – underlines a weighty achievement: year Asian Championships: 2 Gold after year of dominance in a super-competitive World Superseries/World Tour: 47 Titles circuit; physical and mental excellence for Malaysian Open: 12 Titles World No.1: 200 Consecutive Weeks prolonged periods; and repeated brilliance Lee Chong Wei – ever the star attraction. Total Titles: 69 amid diverse challenges – younger and hungry opponents, the stresses of competition, and otherwise exemplary career. Nevertheless, TEAM EVENTS varying playing conditions. he returned to reclaim the crown in 2016 Commonwealth Games (Mixed): and 2018 – the last versus a resurgent and 2 Gold; 1 Silver Once Lee Chong Wei hit his stride, he was a youthful Kento Momota, completing his dozen. (Men’s): 1 Silver; 4 Bronze Sudirman Cup (Mixed): 1 Bronze constant force in the closing stages of major No other player has ruled a single event in Asian Games (Men’s): 2 Bronze tournaments. The Malaysia Open turned similar fashion. into his personal fiefdom. He started with a hat-trick of titles (2004, 2005, 2006), and The Malaysia Open in 2006 was also the to misjudge a shuttle in the deep and lose from 2008 won seven straight titles. The scene of one of the biggest comebacks in the momentum in a flash. At the next World streak was interrupted by an eight-month ban badminton. Lee held off eight match points in Championships, he had the early momentum for a doping violation; the one smudge in an the final against his Chinese arch-rival Lin Dan in the final, only to be denied by a stubborn Lin to secure his hat-trick. In a career spanning Dan and cramps late in the match. two decades, the 36-year-old still counts this as his most memorable feat. From 2008 to 2016, Lee was the most consistent player on tour, reaching seven He enjoyed many other highs, including three major finals. Between 2009 and 2017, Olympic silvers, three World Championships he featured in seven All England finals silvers, four All England triumphs and two too, winning four. His record of 47 World Asian Championships golds. Superseries/World Tour titles will take some beating. He came tantalisingly close to achieving any player’s ultimate dream – winning the World Repeatedly falling at the ultimate hurdle, Lee’s Championships and the Olympics. At the remarkable ability to rebound from big heart- World Championships 2011, he held two breaking losses earned him global admiration Lee Chong Wei (backing) embraces his nemesis, Lin match points against Lin Dan; at the – and fans will long applaud his tenacity as Dan, after winning their epic Rio 2016 Olympic semifinal. 2012 Olympics he led 19-18 in the third, only much as his astounding accomplishments.

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China celebrates regaining the Sudirman Cup.

RESULTS

Group 1 Final: BACK ON TOP! China bt Japan 3-0 So often sporting success springs from stifled /Yuta Watanabe, 21-18 MD: Li Jun Hui/Liu Yu Chen (CHN) bt Hiroyuki previous bitter defeats – and so it proved with 21-10. Then Chen Yu Fei further enhanced her Endo/Yuta Watanabe (JPN) 21-18 21-10 China’s triumph in the TOTAL BWF Sudirman credentials with a gritty 17-21 21-16 21-17 WS: Chen Yu Fei (CHN) bt Akane Yamaguchi Cup 2019 in May. win over Akane Yamaguchi. The latter was (JPN) 17-21 21-16 21-17 MS: Shi Yu Qi (CHN) bt Kento Momota (JPN) 11-6 in the third game but inexplicably wilted 15-21 21-5 21-11 Stung badly by their loss in the 2017 final to in the critical dying stage. Korea, the badminton powerhouse returned Group 1 Semifinals: China bt Thailand 3-0; Japan bt Indonesia 3-1 with a vengeance on home soil to wrest their China’s head singles coach, Xia Xuanze, was 11th World Mixed Team Championships, delighted by his players’ performance, candidly Group 2 Final: Canada bt 3-1 highlighting the role of their 2017 demise in authoritatively demolishing top seeds, Japan, Group 3 Final: Sri Lanka bt Ireland 3-2 in the title decider in Nanning. That their this year’s success. triumph was achieved for the loss of just one match – Viktor Axelsen’s straight-games rout “We gained a lot of experience which laid a Sudirman Cup final 3-0 to China (the first being of in the quarterfinals – was as good foundation. We made a lot of progress in in 2015). satisfying as the fact that a youthful brigade our training, competition preparation as well as led the charge to re-establishing China’s in our knowledge of our opponents. “It is a comprehensive defeat for me. I cannot supremacy in this tournament which they have say our players played their best and I’m sorry long bossed. “So, indeed, the last Sudirman Cup loss to about that. I commit myself to preparing better Korea was instrumental to our victory.” for the (Tokyo 2020) Olympic Games.” Add to the narrative that, in the final, the Chinese dished out an imperious 3-0 drubbing By contrast, Japan’s head coach Park Joo Meanwhile, Indonesia and Thailand earned to the rivals who have most threatened to steal Bong – who had declared “We’ll go all out bronze medals as the beaten Group 1 their thunder in recent years – and the story (in the final)” – was at pains to explain their semifinalists. The latter fell to China (3-0) was even sweeter for home fans. The cherry spectacular meltdown. The Japanese were while the Indonesians won the opening men’s on top was clinching the trophy versus Japan’s seeking the final piece to their recent team doubles match before losing to Japan (3-1). men’s singles titan, Kento Momota. Strangely accomplishments, having won the Thomas subdued, the world No.1 succumbed 15-21 Cup (World Men’s Team Championships) in Canada took top place in Group 2, overcoming 21-5 21-11 to a fired-up Shi Yu Qi. 2014 and last season’s (World France 3-1 in their final. Sri Lanka repeated as Women’s Team Championships). Seemingly Group 3 champions, with a stunning comeback China’s first point came from men’s doubles directing blame more towards himself, Park to beat Ireland 3-2, having been 0-2 down in aces, Li Jun Hui/Liu Yu Chen, who clinically noted it was a major blow to lose a second the Group 3 finale.

Chinese players rush to greet Shi Japan’s Nozomi Yu Qi (right, backing) after he won Okuhara lends the final for his country. noisy support to her teammates.

Hendra Setiawan captures the moment with Canada’s Rachel Honderich his Indonesian peers, Mohammad Ahsan (left) and in the (centre) and Marcus Fernaldi Gideon. Group 2 final versus France.

www.bwfbadminton.com PAGE 11 NEW DEPUTY PRESIDENT AND COUNCIL MEMBER ELECTED

Thailand’s Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul Kinji Zeniya is was elected BWF Deputy President during a now a BWF busy week in which Nanning, China, hosted Council Member. the 80th BWF Annual General Meeting in May.

The 54-year-old, who is President of the Badminton Association of Thailand, secured a majority victory over Chinese Badminton Association President, , and has assumed the role of BWF Deputy President for a two-year term from 2019-2021.

During her address, Leeswadtrakul – Khunying Patama who sits on BWF’s Executive Board and Leeswadtrakul was elected BWF Deputy President. is an International Olympic Committee member – spoke of increased diversity, reach and opportunity within the sport and championed the concepts of sport for all and “We are very pleased to announce the like to thank God for giving me the talent and outdoor badminton. successful candidates in our two elections. skills to get me this far.” I have full trust they will carry out their “I am very thankful for being elected BWF duties with honour and distinction,” he The highlight of her career was the women’s Deputy President. I am very humbled told delegates. singles gold medal at the Atlanta Olympic by this announcement and thank you Games in 1996 after winning silver four to the membership for trusting me. I will At the AGM Gala Dinner, 1996 Olympic years earlier in . She won a do my best for the sport of badminton,” gold medallist Bang Soo Hyun of Korea was number of other individual tournament said Leeswadtrakul. inducted into the BWF Hall of Fame. titles, besides guiding Korea to two Sudirman Cup championships. Nippon Badminton Association Secretary She was recognised alongside Ronny de Vos General Kinji Zeniya won the election for (), who received the Distinguished In the year following her Olympic the vacant BWF Council member position. Service Award, and Ranjit de Silva (Sri Lanka) gold-medal-winning feat, she retired from Zeniya’s term is also for a two-year period and Jean-Guy Poitras (Canada), who both competition but continued to be actively from 2019-2021. received Lifetime Achievement Awards. involved in badminton; coaching school children and junior players. Bang also served BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer said it was a Bang said of her recognition: “I am honoured as a BWF Council Member from 2005 significant day for the sport of badminton. and thankful to receive this award. I would to 2009.

Bang Soo Hyun of Korea was welcomed Ranjit de Silva (Sri Lanka) Jean-Guy Poitras (Canada) Ronny de Vos (Belgium) into the BWF Hall of Fame by BWF - Lifetime Achievement Award. - Lifetime Achievement Award. - Distinguished Service Award. President Poul-Erik Høyer.

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SAFEGUARDING BADMINTON FOR THE FUTURE It has been five years since BWF’s Integrity At the forefront of this is the ‘i am badminton’ Unit was formed. integrity awareness campaign in which players have been able to express their love and In that time, the unit has evolved from a respect for badminton by advocating and small operation to what is now a dedicated committing to clean and honest play. team with full-time analytical capabilities and external expertise. It’s hoped such a concerted effort will not only raise the standards across the entire Every athlete has the right to compete in clean badminton landscape but encourage athletes and fair sport, and so the unit has centred its to be active participants in shaping the work on keeping badminton free from match integrity of the sport. manipulation and free of doping. In reflecting on the last five years, BWF In doing so, it focuses on two key areas – Secretary General Thomas Lund said the education and awareness – which is about Integrity Unit has excelled in its efforts to prevention, and monitoring – which is transform the reputation of the sport and has about deterrence. helped lay the foundations for badminton to It also conducts robust in and out of be industry leaders in sports integrity. The unit has delivered a number of competition testing and works with various programmes designed to monitor athletes and stakeholders such as the IOC, WADA “The BWF Integrity Unit is one of the few tournaments, conduct testing, and investigate and Interpol, plus Member Associations, standalone integrity operations among any possible doping or match-manipulation Continental Confederations, and Tournament International Federations,” Lund said. cases in badminton. Hosts to drive its anti-match manipulation and anti-doping activities. “We value this area of governance with The unit currently monitors all HSBC BWF extreme importance and it’s pleasing to see World Tour events for suspicious betting The Integrity Unit is equally responsible how far the unit has come. patterns and in 2018, more than 7000 for planning and implementing education matches were monitored. There also exists and awareness programmes for players, a standalone reporting mechanism for support personnel, technical officials, and individuals that want to report wrongdoings. administrators in the sport. Continued on Page 13

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“More resources will be dedicated to ensure both competitions are completed with spectrum from monitoring and information expanding its operations and now with the the utmost integrity.” gathering, investigations, reporting of match Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games manipulation and other wrongdoings, as well on the horizon, the unit has heightened anti- The unit’s sophisticated anti-match as the independent Judicial Process that doping and anti-match manipulation efforts to manipulation approach covers the entire follows these steps:

Information/ Monitoring Intelligence Investigation Case file

Referral Appeal Judgement Hearing Officer

Lund gave an insight into some of the unit’s 2019 in November – a tournament that is Sport For Tomorrow initiatives created for the activities over the last 12 months. doubling up as the official Paralympic Games build-up of Tokyo 2020. Test Event. “In the past year, two integrity hearings Lund said the iZone has proven to be an were conducted with significant periods of The iZone is a multi-faceted integrity important tool in the development of all ineligibility imposed. awareness mechanism designed to educate athletes and believes the current crop of Para badminton athletes on what to expect in Para badminton players vying for Paralympic “Although this resulted in unfortunate terms of testing and intelligence gathering at qualification will benefit greatly from campaign. outcomes for the athletes involved and the events like the Paralympics. wider badminton community, we view this as a “The iZone has been delivered at every BWF positive achievement in the sport’s endeavours In particular, it raises awareness on the risks World Junior Championships since 2015 and a to protect clean athletes and maintain a high associated with match manipulation and high number of Para badminton tournaments level of integrity. doping, but also educates the athletes on what including the TOTAL BWF Para-Badminton to do and how to act if they are ever placed World Championships 2017. “Unlike the unit’s anti-doping investigations in a situation where they are approached and which are built on laboratory test results, anti- attempts to made compromise integrity. “The target audiences for the iZone have been match manipulation is based on intelligence our youth and Para badminton players as they gathering where we do need the cooperation The iZone set up at the Japan Para-Badminton are perceived to be at greater risk of match of players and the wider community. International is part of a larger collaboration manipulation and doping in relation to their between the BWF Integrity Unit and the exposure on the international circuit. “As a result, these investigations do tend to Japan Anti-Doping Agency (JADA), including take a long time but the BWF is committed to the promotion of their Play True 2020 and “Already we have done a lot of work done dedicating the resources and time in the lead up to Tokyo 2020 to continue required to protect the game,” to create awareness about said Lund. Para badminton including development initiatives such as Tokyo 2020 is a major focus for integrity education. the unit and it is estimated that all athletes who will take part in the “We are therefore looking forward to Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo the delivery of the iZone in Tokyo and would have been tested prior to believe it will be valuable activation the event. for all athletes and teams.”

To aid this, the Integrity Unit Para badminton will make its debut will also be delivering their as a Paralympic sport at Tokyo 2020, comprehensive education and with a total of 90 players competing awareness iZone campaign at the in singles, doubles and mixed doubles Japan Para-Badminton International events across six sport classes.

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