SHUTTLNOVEMBER 2019 – JANUARY 2020 / EDITION NO.E 28 WORLD

Clockwise from top right: Yuta Watanabe (), Liu Yutong (), (), An Se Young (Korea) and (). INTO THE ADVENTURE ZONE > SEE PAGES 3 & 4 PAGE 2 EDITORIAL Smashing decade in store

It’s a wonderful time to be a We have already taken first steps at a fan. The sport has never been in a better perpetual campaign related to LA 2028, position. As we enter a new decade, we together with USA Badminton, where the long are faced with significant milestones lead-in time to the Games will provide scope each carving out a new chapter in the to grow the sport further in both Los Angeles sport’s development. and across the country.

Tokyo 2020 is front and centre in our In the immediate future, the recently minds this year as we look forward to a released Strategic Plan 2020 – 2024 will sensational hosting of the badminton and continue to provide us with the framework for Para badminton competitions. The fact achieving our vision of “giving every child a that Para badminton is making its debut on chance to play for life”. the Paralympic Games programme opens endless opportunities to build upon all the The plan provides continuity with the five hard work that has been done in the lead-up strategic priorities of Entertainment, to 2020 and will continue to create Participation, Athletes, Partnerships awareness of the sport and our development and Capacity Building. In the last initiatives for the foreseeable future. four-year cycle, we made tremendous progress in the areas of event delivery, On the Olympic front, we look forward grassroots development, commercial to three fantastic cycles – Tokyo 2020, and brand development and continued to Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028. Each enhance good governance practices and to holds unique potential for fostering further implement strategies to protect the integrity growth in those regions. Both Paris 2024 of badminton. and LA 2028 are fantastic long-term targets to broaden our development The transformation of Shuttle Time, the initiatives and create a strategic position creation of the HSBC BWF World Tour for the sport around new projects and the ‘i am badminton’ campaign and partnerships. epitomise that.

BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer

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Participants on Cook Islands during Shuttle Time activation last year.  Shuttle Time

Our new plan builds on these for the mass production of the achievements. AirShuttle. The production has already begun and the first batch of AirShuttles Ultimately, our role is to continue to provide will become available in selected markets leadership, deliver programmes and very soon. initiatives to develop our sport and support and energise our stakeholders to deliver Additionally, the start of the decade will quality outcomes for badminton globally. see the introduction of synthetic feather shuttlecocks at BWF International The core of this responsibility lies within sanctioned tournaments of all levels our ability to remain relevant. from 2021.

Connecting with the youth and getting The first synthetic shuttlecock approved the next generation to see badminton as by BWF has been developed with the the sport for them is a high priority. Our technological cooperation of in an very successful Shuttle Time Schools effort to increase sustainability within Programme has laid the foundation for the sport. us to be able to reach more corners of the globe. We now have 50,000 trained During the various tests, it was discovered teachers worldwide – an achievement that the synthetic version could reduce that guarantees momentum for the shuttlecock usage up to 25 per cent, development of our sport. providing a significant environmental and economic edge for badminton Now it’s about making it even more going forward. accessible. AirBadminton is our long-term solution to getting more people to play With the advent of these sustainable more badminton in more places. solutions, we are comfortable that badminton will continue to be an It started with a vision to develop a new important sport accessible to all for many outdoor shuttlecock – the AirShuttle years to come. – with increased durability, stability and wind resistance to allow people to have a more positive experience of badminton outdoors. Jack Shephard is the Para men's singles (SH6) world champion. We are now happy to announce that BWF has signed an agreement with an important manufacturer based in Chinese Poul-Erik Høyer

Published by Badminton World Federation  Text: Dev Sukumar, Lloyd Green and Prem Kumar  Design: Ahmad Hafidz  Images: BadmintonPhoto & Alan Spink  January 2020

www.bwfbadminton.com PAGE 4 A decade of excitement

Badminton can shuttle into the 2020s expecting an Environmentally Yonex could reduce usage of traditional shuttlecocks exhilarating ride filled with plenty of positives. friendly game made from goose feather up to 25 per cent. When the shuttlecock becomes more widely used after the The sport being in great health to lay down fresh The introduction of synthetic feather shuttlecocks at initial implementation period, badminton will have a markers elevates the excitement that comes BWF-sanctioned tournaments of all levels next year significant environmental and economic edge going with treading new paths en route to scaling could propel the sport into a different stratosphere. into the new decade and beyond. more mountains. This initiative aims to increase sustainability as the new product developed with the cooperation of Continued on Page 5 The recently released Strategic Plan 2020 – 2024 kicks into motion the first stage of that manoeuvre, which provides us the platform to build on recent milestones, and thus promising more adventure and acclaim over the next 10 years for the sport we love.

Here are some we can look forward to. Three Olympic cycles

It will all kick off this year in Tokyo, Japan – a country where badminton is well liked. The encouraging ticket sales thus far point towards another phenomenal outing for the sport on the biggest stage of all. The Summer Games will also make a return to Europe at Paris 2024 after two editions and the USA following a 32-year gap. Both editions are tremendous opportunities for BWF to grow the sport in two different continents. Los Angeles 2028, in particular, dangles as a golden gift that must be snatched with sheer enthusiasm to further advance badminton in North America.

Big Para debut 's Rickard Nilsson in action Badminton will be part of the Paralympic Games during the Tokyo 2020 programme for the first time in Tokyo. The fact it is Paralympic test event also confirmed for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games at the Yoyogi National gives BWF the chance to drive home its unwavering Stadium in November commitment towards raising the profile of the sport. last year.

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Anders Antonsen of Denmark.

The All England trophy for men's singles winner.

Continued from Page 4

Breath of fresh air of the first courts during the HSBC BWF World Tour Next gen of stars Finals in in December 2019 acts only as The launch of AirBadminton in May 2019 a precursor to the erection of many more worldwide A host of supremely talented youngsters, heralds a new era for the sport, and the next on three surfaces – hard, grass and sand. led by the likes of Korea’s An Se Young, decade can be the perfect launchpad for this 17, China’s Para badminton star Liu incarnation of the game. The BWF is committed, All England to turn 125 Yutong, 15, and Denmark’s Anders together with its Global Development Partner Antonsen, 22, broke through in recent HSBC, to deliver permanent courts for public Badminton’s oldest tournament will mark its times, bedazzling fans at various usage in the next few years. The AirShuttle quasquicentennial year in 2024. With Paris tournaments. It assures us that top quality is inching closer to its market debut as it is Olympics to come a few months later, it promises to entertainment from badminton is set expected to go on sale in March. The unveiling be a memorable year. to continue.

AirBadminton can be played on three surfaces, including sand.

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Kento Momota Bold Predictions An Se Young for 2020

Resurgent China

China’s domination in women’s singles and doubles began to slacken after the London Olympics. Rio 2016 was unprecedented, for the powerhouse did not get a single medal in either category. Over the last few years, Japan’s women’s doubles that few have won a succession of major titles can handle. and are expected to maintain their Opponents supremacy for the foreseeable future like Anthony … but things might be changing. If Sinisuka Ginting and Anders recent events are any indication, Antonsen will sense their chance. China are steadily regaining lost Can the Japanese two-time world ground with experienced duo Chen champion do what did on Qing Chen/Jia Yi Fan leading the home soil at Beijing 2008? In the way, followed by young pairs like Li longer term, it will be harder for Wen Mei/, /Li Yin Momota to repeat what he did in Hui and Liu Xuan Xuan/Xia Yu Ting. 2019 as younger challengers like Chen Yu Fei has taken over as No.1 in Ginting, Antonsen and Shi Yu Qi Du Yue/Li Yin Hui women’s singles, and with others like would have matured. Wang Zhi Yi coming through, expect China to once again be the team to Watch out for beat in the women’s categories. An Se Young

Momota is Favourite, Women’s singles has been But … the most competitive category over the last six years or so. It With 11 titles in 2019, Kento is rare that a new talent can make Momota has positioned himself as its presence felt in a field of great frontrunner for the men’s singles athletes, but that’s what An Se Young gold in Tokyo. The Japanese had his did in 2019. The teenager has not foot on the pedal all year, and no only beaten some big names, she opponent managed to trouble him has done it on the biggest stages. consistently enough. Her apparent immunity to pressure is possibly her biggest strength and However, the pressure on him in will come handy at the Olympics, Tokyo will be enormous. For the for she will arrive in Tokyo with the last couple of years he has been exuberance and the cockiness frequently asked about the Olympics, of youth. and when it eventually comes around, the pressure will be of a magnitude Continued on Page 7

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Continued from Page 6 Resolutions for 2020, and Beyond … Europe’s Dipping doubles, European hopes will rest mainly Fortunes on the Stoeva sisters and a couple of the What goals do our stars have beyond winning titles? England and Dutch pairs. We find out … Europe performed creditably at Rio 2016, with four medals. A similar haul in Tokyo Liu Yutong, Bankable Star : I would like looks unlikely, going by recent form. The to take my family on a long holiday. I last year wasn’t kind to Europe, with former Of the many contenders at the Paralympics, haven’t spent much time with them powerhouse Denmark able to maintain their none possibly has the unbeatable aura of Liu since I started playing badminton. edge only in men’s singles. Yutong. The young Chinese star has followed Maybe after the Olympics, I will take in the tracks of her idol Kim Jungjun, whose them on a three-month holiday (laughs). Denmark were affected in doubles by own invincibility has been challenged by retirements and rejigged combinations his close rival Chan Ho Yuen. Liu, on the that have yet to make an impact. However, other hand, has yet to lose a match in her Anders Antonsen: I want to get Carolina Marin’s successful return does international career and will look to continue better at playing the guitar; might learn a spell hope in women’s singles, while in the that unbeaten run through Tokyo 2020. new language …

Viktor Axelsen: I do different things to take my mind off badminton, like speaking to friends and family, studying Chinese, watching TV series and stuff. My Chinese is still going well. At this point, it’s more to keep it steady, but I love to sort of dig into the characters.

Liu Yutong : We have a good balance, and we’re fortunate that we’re able to do it together. When we’re away from badminton, our brains are not consumed with badminton and other hobbies. We just want to enjoy ourselves, and we want to go out during these events and explore these countries a bit more.

Greysia Polii: I’m in my 30s, I just want to take it one match after another. I just want to uncover what’s inside of me apart from badminton. I’m not sure about my music, I play a little bit (drums), I don’t know if I will continue that!

Rachel Honderich: I want to complete school, I have one more year left for my kinesiology degree. (Partner) Kirsten’s the biggest animal lover you’ll know and she finished chiropractic school. She’s already completed her undergrad in criminology. Coming back to play has made her realise that being a chiro is very useful!

Michelle Li: I think my goals are more about just trying to change the sport in my country, and my side of the world, try to get the word out there about badminton, do my best in terms of competing, but also inspire the younger generations to not give up and pursue it. When I’m at home, I coach a little bit, or talk at different schools.

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2020Highlights

Continental Yonex All End of Championships England Open Paralympic (TUC Qualification) 11-15 March qualifying 10-16 February Birmingham period 2 April

Indonesia Open TOTAL BWF Thomas End of 16-21 June & Finals Olympic 16-24 May qualifying , Denmark period 26 April

Tokyo Olympic Tokyo Paralympic Games Games 15-20 September 25 July – 2-6 September Changzhou 3 August Tokyo Tokyo

HSBC BWF World BWF World Junior Tour Finals Championships 9-13 December 5-11 October Guangzhou Auckland, New Zealand

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Setting

Korean pair Lee Yong the world Dae and Kim Gi Jung celebrate winning the year's first men's doubles title at alight Masters in January.

The HSBC BWF World Tour enters its third year as These additions coincide with our third year the planet’s best shuttlers battle it out across 26 in partnership with HSBC, our Principal global events for a place in the lucrative season- Global Partner and World Tour title sponsor, ending HSBC BWF World Tour Finals. and promise to take the overall tournament experience up a notch. Ultimate glory awaits the top eight players and pairs who qualify after a year-long The season culminates at the spiritual home HSBC Race To Guangzhou across the five of the finale, the stunning Chinese city of badminton disciplines. Guangzhou, which will stage the showpiece HSBC BWF World Tour Finals until 2021. The r estructured World Tour appeals to fans and players alike, with higher prize money, greater The pinnacle of the season will see the top eight television coverage and spectacular presentation. qualifiers compete for their share of In 2019, we reached 611 million households the biggest prize from 21,170 hours of broadcast coverage; and pool ever seen in across the next 12 months we aim to bring our badminton marquee World Tour to even more fans. – US$1.5 million.

The recently announced HSBC BWF World Tour Get ready for a Host Organisers Award Scheme also gives our pulsating 2020. hosts greater incentive to deliver tournaments of the highest standard. Carolina Anthony This initiative is aimed at raising the overall Marin Sinisuka quality of the Tour across six Ginting key deliverables: Sports Presentation, Media Operations, VIP Experience, Arena Bowl & Field of Play Presentation, Transport and Player Experience.

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Countdown to glory begins

The year 2020 is here and the wait for the Olympics is about to end. “When you have QUICK FACTS Come July, Tokyo, the beautiful capital city of Japan, will be ready to provide the world’s that type of best athletes the ultimate battle stage to Where is badminton? Musashino Forest Sports Plaza (Olympics), attain glory. audience, you know the sport Yoyogi National Stadium (Paralympics) Over the last two years, the at When is badminton? the Musashino Forest Sports Plaza offered will be embraced. 25 July – 3 August some glimpses into what badminton players (Olympics), 2-6 September and fans can expect at the world-class We look forward (Paralympics) arena during the Olympics. to a fantastic How to buy tickets? The Yoyogi National Stadium – venue for Games.” Japan residents: Tokyo 2020 Official Para badminton – has been upgraded Ticket Website  and its strategic location in central Tokyo — Overseas residents: adds weight to the belief that there is Tokyo 2020 Authorised no better place for the sport to make its approaches ever closer for “badminton- Ticket Reseller List  Paralympic bow. knowledgeable Japan” to host the two Games. For more information, go to Tickets are also being snapped up since olympics.bwfbadminton.com  going on sale in May 2019. “When you have that type of audience, you know the sport will be embraced. We look A record 390,000 people participated in forward to a fantastic Games,” he enthused. the first Paralympic ticket lottery for Japan China's in tears after residents in August and September. That An event not to be missed, so receiving his men's singles gold demand is three times more than for the start making your plans to medal at Rio 2016. London Paralympics in 2012. catch the planet’s finest shuttlers The second round kicked off on 15 January in action. and will go on until 29 January, with the results to be announced on 18 February.

BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund is already bouncing with optimism as the date

www.bwfbadminton.com PAGE 11 Mahmoud hangs on despite challenges

Aram Mahmoud, the former Syrian player now Despite his struggles, the 22-year-old has performed representing the , is keeping his Olympic creditably. After winning the International, he dreams alive by training at clubs in and made the semifinals of the . He as he has struggled with finding a consistent won three qualifying rounds at the and took training base. a game off Indian prodigy .

Mahmoud, who won the Latvia International last June, is one of 37 Refugee Athlete Scholarship-Holders in contention to be part of the IOC Refugee Olympic Team “I hope I can give for Tokyo 2020. The composition of the IOC Refugee Olympic Team for Tokyo 2020 will be announced everything on court, in June 2020. Mahmoud relocated to the and develop my skills Netherlands from Syria in 2015 following unrest in his home country. and fitness levels to

“It’s difficult to find daily training, be able to compete I’m searching outside the with top players.” Netherlands,” said Mahmoud, who is based in Almere. “For example — Mahmoud I train in Germany and Belgium. It’s a bit confusing for me to find “I learnt a lot of things, and I try to use it in my game,” good training. But I’m lucky I have says Mahmoud. “It’s difficult for me because I have a a lot of friends and they slow game. Everyone says I have to be faster and more invite me. One of my explosive. I’m training to be explosive. It’s difficult to friends said I could take this step. I will try to mix my shots, and I have to train for a week in work on knowing when I have to play fast shots and Germany and that when to play slow shots. was nice. “I hope I can give everything on court, and develop my “I do train in Almere skills and fitness levels to be able to compete with top but the structure is not players,” he says. high level. There aren’t many players I can train with. A couple of the Mahmoud last played for Syria in 2014, participating best players are training elsewhere. in the Asian Youth U-19, World Junior Championships, and the Wilson Hellas International. After his relocation “In Belgium I train with their players, to the Netherlands in June 2015, it took him three and they have a schedule, and I did years to adjust to his new life, and he resumed his the same thing in Germany. But when international career with the I’m in Netherlands, I make my own in April 2018. schedule; I’m looking for a trainer but it’s difficult.” We wish Aram the best of luck!

 Rene Lagerwaard

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Denmark players celebrate in a huddle after winning the in 2016. Aarhus awaits the world Trivia

At long last, Europe will play host February’s five continental With Tokyo 2020 lying in wait two to badminton’s most coveted team championships serve as qualifying months later, players will want to find Thank you, competitions – the TOTAL BWF events, with four semifinalists from their winning touch. 1 Sir George Thomas & Uber Cups – for the first Asia and Europe making the cut The men’s team time ever in Aarhus, Denmark. alongside the winners from Pan Am, And the ongoing support of our main competition started in 1948- Oceania and Africa. sponsor TOTAL gives us confidence this 49 and honours Sir George The Thomas Cup has not been year’s edition would be another success Thomas, Founder-President of contested in the continent since Reigning champions and the hosts story for the prestigious competition. the International Badminton 1981-82 in England while the Uber get direct entry while the remaining Federation (now BWF). Cup is yet to return after 1956-57’s slots in the total list of 16 will be inaugural edition, also in England. determined by team ranking. Alluring Aarhus Uber Cool 2 The Women’s World Team Badminton lovers will find plenty to do Championships came into in Aarhus apart from catching up on the being in 1956-57; the trophy was action. The city is known for its musical designed and donated by Betty history and for offering great cultural Uber, England’s great pre-War ALL YOU NEED experiences. Located 187km northwest player. TO KNOW of Copenhagen, this shoppers’ paradise was named European Capital of Culture Better Together Tournament dates: in 2017. 3 From 1984, both 16-24 May tournaments have been played simultaneously in the same host city every two years instead Defending champions: of three. China (Thomas Cup), Japan (Uber Cup) Long wait 4 Malaysia last tasted Most successful: Thomas Cup glory in 1992 Thomas Cup ( - 13 titles), while Indonesia last won the Uber Uber Cup (China - 14 titles) Cup in 1996. No European nation has lifted the Uber Cup. Venue: Ceres Park & Arena History makers 5 In 2016, Denmark became the first non-Asian Ticket info: team to win the Thomas Cup. Click here 

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High time for AirBadminton

The AirBadminton global rollout courts in public outdoor spaces. envisioned by the BWF and its Global Development Partner, HSBC, will The ultimate goal is to develop take its next critical step when the national structures, including first batch of AirShuttles becomes competitions and assisting in available for public purchase in March. promoting the game as a healthy outdoor activity. An agreement has been made with a Chinese Taipei-based manufacturer BWF is also keen to build partnerships and mass production of the AirShuttle and networks to assist the growth is already under way. and implementation of projects and work with brands and retailers to This follows AirBadminton’s ensure the AirShuttle and associated successful global launch in equipment are available globally at an Guangzhou, China, in May 2019, and affordable price. subsequent delivery of a number of permanent courts on various The BWF looks forward to working surfaces for public usage as part 50 local players were trained by BWF The AirShuttle closely with its Continental of the BWF and HSBC’s community staff on the rules of the game during will be available Confederations and Member outreach programme. a one-day workshop. The participants for purchase in Associations to implement the were then recognised as Certified March. project worldwide. The first of these courts were unveiled AirBadminton Ambassadors. at a special exhibition at the Tianhe Similar exercises are planned in Implementation guidelines will be Gymnasium in Guangzhou, during Guangzhou and other parts of China shared with Member Associations in the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals on this quarter and they will coincide with February to provide them with a clear 11 December. the AirShuttle hitting the market. understanding of the project’s different elements, as well At the same time, the BWF also This keeps in line with BWF’s Strategic as recommendations partnered with Guangzhou Sports Plan 2020 – 2024 to systematically on how to implement Bureau to stage its first AirBadminton implement AirBadminton globally and AirBadminton Ambassador Campaign, where some facilitate participation by developing activities locally.

www.bwfbadminton.com AirBadminton is an ambitious new development project outdoor shuttlecock with increased resistance to wind, designed to create opportunities for people of all ages to allow people to have a more positive experience of and ability to play badminton on hard, grass and sand badminton outdoors. surfaces in parks, gardens, streets, playgrounds and The main considerations were that it must be played beaches around the world. with the same rackets and have good flight performance, Given that most people first experience badminton spin response and durability. The end goal was to create in an outdoor environment, we’re now making it easier a new concept of the game, with the potential for a new, for everyone to access the sport through a new outdoor highly attractive form of competitive badminton, with a game and new shuttlecock – the AirShuttle. key focus on global participation. In conjunction with our Global Development Partner, The vision is for it be played on three dynamic HSBC, our aim is to find an effective, economic and surfaces; hard, grass and sand – with a mass participation sustainable way of encouraging more people to play project aimed at increasing access to the sport on any more badminton in more places. available surface, complimented by a competitive version Thus, we have spent the last five years working in on sand aimed at increasing its global appeal. partnership with the Institute for Sports Research (ISR) We now plan to bring AirBadminton closer to everyone at Nanyang Technological University to develop a new through our global roll out.

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