WORLD SHUTTLEJANUARY - MARCH 2015 / EDITION NO. 9

Woman in : ’s Val Nesbitt. ’s Moment: Three stalwarts of Malaysian badminton, HRH Tengku Kamil Ismail Tengku Idris Shah (right); Tan Sri Ir (Dr) Mohamed Al-Amin Abd Majid (second left) and Wan Mohammed Haji Wan Awang (left), received their Meritorious Service Awards from BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer at the Maybank Malaysia Open 2015.

highlights

Road to Rio: Scramble for Saluting Olympic Places Beckons (PAGE 4) ‘Shuttle Service’ New Badminton Research Stories of life-long service to badminton; pioneering and diligent work in the sport; and peerless Underway (PAGEs 8-9) officiating leap from the Badminton World Federation’s 2014 awards list.

Whether it’s the more than 45 years that John Havers served on Badminton ’s Council or the innovative coaching techniques introduced by former Chinese head coach Wang Wenjiao or the vital development and promotion of badminton by stalwarts like Australia’s Val Nesbitt key dates or Professor Dr. Puzant Kassabian of Bulgaria – the progress of badminton through the ages unfolds in the biographies of those saluted by the world-governing body. Continues on page 9 07-12 April OUE Open 2015 (Superseries), Singapore

14-19 April Masters 2015 (Grand Prix ), Changzhou

21-26 April Championships 2015 (Continental Championships), Wuhan (China)

28 April-03 May Skycity Open 2015 (Grand Prix Gold), Auckland

10-17 May BWF 2015, (China)

26-31 May The Australian Open (Superseries), Sydney

02-07 June Open 2015 (Superseries Premier),

12-28 June Baku 2015 European Games (Multisports), Baku (Azerbaijan)

16-21 June 2015 US Open Badminton Championships (Grand Prix Gold), New York Lifetime Achievement Awards: Wang Wenjiao of China (left) and John Havers of England.

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org PAGE 2 editorial

Dear Colleagues and Friends

As we move into the second quarter of 2015, the badminton season is well underway and we have already seen our top athletes in action in the MetLife BWF World Superseries at events like the Yonex All England Championships; the Yonex-Sunrise Open and the Maybank Malaysia Open. The Indian tournament will be long remembered by home fans who saw two of their own win the singles titles. All this signals that we are once again en route to the BWF World Superseries Finals in Dubai, with lots of action and suspense awaiting us in the months ahead. We again look forward to partnering with Falcon and Associates as well as Dubai Sports Council for another riveting conclusion to our World Superseries tour as elite competitors from across the badminton spectrum vie to qualify for the season-ender. This showdown features the top eight players/pairs in the five traditional categories clashing for a share of badminton’s richest jackpot – US$1 million.

Before we reach that far however there will be the spectacle of two BWF Major Events Poul-Erik Høyer – the Vivo BWF Sudirman Cup in May and the TOTAL BWF World Championships in BWF President August – which will certainly captivate the global badminton fan base and again provide platforms for us to enjoy the best in team and individual battles. Starting in May, the “Race to Rio” Olympic Qualification is another sub-plot which will play out across the world over the next year as players try to book their place in the Rio 2016 Summer Games.

All these events – let’s not forget the BWF Grand Prix Gold circuit – make for a fascinating landscape of world-class badminton which now enjoys a broadcast audience (television/ online) of more than 500 million. To accommodate fans’ desire for more live coverage, BWF is introducing a new online platform (www.livestream.com/bwfbadminton) which will show live matches on Court 2 of all MetLife BWF World Superseries and BWF Grand Prix Gold tournaments.

Our para-badminton calendar is also quite busy with a mixture of international tournaments across Asian and European countries. Additionally, the BWF Para-Badminton World Championships 2015 in England this September will again bring together top performers to battle for the title of World Champion. Action began with the V Spanish Para-Badminton International in March and next turns to the China Para-Badminton International in from 13-17 May. Dublin hosts the Irish Para-Badminton International from 24-28 June while the 2nd Indonesia Para-Badminton International takes place in Solo from 5-9 August. An international tournament is also being planned in the Pan American region and details will be forthcoming.

At the same time, we in BWF are pushing ahead with our development agenda. It is our goal to have implemented the schools’ grassroots programme Shuttle Time in 90 member associations by our upcoming Annual General Meeting in Dongguan, China. That would mean roughly half our 182 members have embraced the initiative whose focus is to train teachers and coaches to deliver safe and fun badminton lessons to children. On a related note, I am pleased to welcome the French islands of Martinique (in the Caribbean) and Réunion (in the Indian Ocean) as our newest members, increasing the BWF family to 182 member associations. We look forward to working with them to develop badminton in their countries.

Badminton is a busy business these days and it must be pleasing to stalwarts of the sport – such as those honoured on our 2014 list of awardees highlighted in this edition – to witness its global growth. I wish to acknowledge their respective contributions whether at national, regional or international level and we at BWF thank them for their selfless work in developing badminton over the decades. It has been my privilege to have presented some of them with their awards already and I look forward to more of these moments in the months to come.

Poul-Erik Høyer

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org PAGE 3 In Their Own Words

The 19-year-old Dane, who can even tie shoelaces without any problem, has a strong sense of what works for her and how best she can negotiate her way through life, with positive pursuits like her university studies and her zest for para-badminton which she started playing at age 16 thanks to a recruitment drive by Badminton .

One of the sport’s blossoming players, Julie sees a bright future not only for herself but for para- badminton in general with the MADZLAN SAIBON hails from badminton-crazy Malaysia and has recent International Paralympic been playing para-badminton since 2003 in his hometown. Committee announcement, heralding badminton’s Paralympic Competing in the WH 2 sport class, he has met a lot of athletes and Games debut at 2020. other people with whom he has become friends and been able to share his para-badminton interest. “It’s a big step for para-badminton. I hope it will grow our sport by attracting more fans and athletes. Right now we have to mix He was among those who cheered the International Paralympic categories especially in doubles. It would be great if we have enough Committee’s inclusion of badminton in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic players so categories don’t have to mix,” noted the SU 5 competitor, Games – but he fears it might be a little too late for him. who is also hoping for more para-badminton tournaments in her country. At age 39, time is not on his side but Madzlan is not giving up yet. Having been through the low of 2010 when badminton did not receive On a personal level, the landmark para-badminton development will the nod for the Paralympic Games, he is keen to reach competitive likely require this young adult to juggle her sporting ambitions with heights at least once. tertiary studies.

“At last…I was so happy to hear the news last year! But 2020 is far “I’ve got to focus on my university education – something in the from now and the qualification process will be long. It may be late for sciences – but I definitely want to continue playing. I’m not letting me but I will do my best to get there.” para-badminton go because that’s given me so much, particularly friends who have the same values and struggles as me,” declared Julie who played badminton from childhood.

HELLE SOFIE SAGOY only took “Now, with this opportunity of the Paralympic Games, I’m so happy. up competitive para-badminton We’re all chatting about it and really want to go. It’s something we’ve two years ago but she has already been waiting for so long.” made a name for herself and is eager to continue in that vein.

“Two members from the Norwegian Badminton Federation, Johnny Askevig and Ragnhild Mizda, asked me whether I wanted to play in these tournaments and I said yes. I was really happy and excited.

“I like the atmosphere and relationship among players in all tournaments because everyone is really friendly. Sometimes, I feel it is like a big family. Also, I like to compete against people who have the same impairment and I It’s not unusual to see KRYSTEN COOMBS flying across the love the positive attitude from all badminton court – literally. of them,” said the Norwegian SL 4 player. Competing in SS 6 for short stature athletes, he is as athletic as they come in his Sport Class and, having been playing para-badminton Recalling last October when she heard badminton was among the for eight years, is beginning to reap international success. first 16 sports included in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, the “I started playing para-badminton in 2007 at the Welsh 4 Nations 17-year-old revealed the announcement has given her even greater Para-Badminton Championships and my first international event was determination to experience that historic occasion. the European Championships in in 2008. “It was amazing news. I was happy and it helps me to dream and find “The para-badminton circuit is a great environment. Everyone is so new motivation,” she said. friendly and everyone gets along well on and off the court. It makes para-badminton feel like one big family. Yes, we all want to win when we get on the court but we’re very supportive of each other and “I would love to take part in Paralympic Games, especially in Tokyo spend a lot of time discussing things about para-badminton and how which will be the first one for para-badminton. I know it’s in five we can do better.” years, but for now I will try to enjoy all the tournaments and the World Championships in England.” The 24-year-old Englishman has time on his side and having gotten over the “shock” of badminton’s entrance into the Paralympic Games, he is anticipating the journey ahead. Born with an impairment to her left hand, JULIE THRANE has never “I couldn’t believe it at first. It really is a dream come true. We can liked using a prosthesis. In fact, it’s when she has tried these artificial now compete at a level that other top para-athletes enjoy. I will appendages that she actually feels awkward. definitely try to qualify for Tokyo 2020.

Her rationale – simple: “I was born this way so I’m used to it. I’ve “I have been making good progress and I now have to plan for never liked them (prostheses). They just get in the way and are the next four to five years. It’s a very exciting time to be inpara- heavy. I have tried them.” badminton.”

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org PAGE 4 Road to Rio: Scramble for Olympic Places Beckons

Brazilians have been getting familiar with badminton.

Can China’s make it places, Host Country places and Tripartite a third Olympic gold medal? Commission Invitation places) will be published as part of the world ranking lists of 5 May 2016. The lists will be used to allocate 34 individual quota places for men and 34 individual quota places for women to the highest ranked athletes, respecting the maximum quota allocation per NOC per event. The 34 quota places will include the Continental Representation places.

In each singles event, there will be at least one athlete from each of the five BWF Continental Confederations. If a competition will be followed by a draw for Continental Confederation has no singles the knockout stage. An NOC can field two athlete qualified in an event, the highest players/pairs if both are ranked in the top 16 ranked athlete in that continent will become in singles and in the top 8 in doubles. eligible (a host country place is separate from the Continental Representation place). The total quota for badminton (including No NOC can qualify athletes/pairs in more The career-defining opportunity of Host Country places and Tripartite than two events through the Continental competing in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games Commission Invitation places) is 172. Of Representation place system. If an athlete starts for badminton players on 4 May 2015 this, 164 (82 each for men and women) are qualifies (and is selected) in more than one and ends 1 May next year. qualification places; 2 are Host Country event, the resulting unused quota place will places and six (three each for men and be allotted to the next best ranked eligible During this period athletes must earn women) are Tripartite Commission Invitation athlete of the same gender in the singles enough points to book their flight to Brazil places. All athletes must have played in event of the world ranking list of 5 May 2016. for the first-ever Olympics on the South a minimum of three tournaments in their American continent. The world ranking list of respective event, counting towards the The number of quota places in the three 5 May 2016 will determine who makes the world rankings lists, during the Olympic doubles events is 48 (16 pairs each in cut and who misses out. qualifying period. The Tripartite Commission Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and awards a select number of places to help Mixed Doubles), including the Continental A few changes distinguish the 2016 promote the fundamental Olympic principle Representation places. No NOC can qualify Olympics competition from previous of universal representation. These are athletes/pairs in more than two events editions. A maximum of two players per NOC given to NOCs with few or no qualified through the Continental Representation (National Olympic Committee) is allowed in athletes, to participate in the Olympic Place system. Each doubles event is each event, which means the total quota for Games. These places provide the NOCs, required to have at least one pair from each each NOC will be 16 (8 men and 8 women) whenever possible, with the opportunity to of the five BWF Continental Confederations. compared to 18 at Olympics be represented at the Olympic Games by 2012. The host’s quota is restricted to one the best athlete from their country. For more details on Olympic qualifying player in either singles categories; each regulations, go to: group in singles will contain a minimum of The list of initially qualified athletes for each http://bwfbadminton.org/file.aspx? three players, and the group stages of the event (including Continental Representation id=529944&dl=1

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org PAGE 5 Story of the Sudirman Cup Dick Sudirman, in whose honour the Following Sudirman’s death (from a stroke) Sudirman Cup was instituted, was one on 10 June 1986, his long-time friend and of the founders of PBSI (Indonesia’s PBSI Vice-President Suharso Suhandinata Badminton Association) and its president wrote to IBF President Arthur Jones recalling for 22 years. He earned respect worldwide Sudirman’s contributions to badminton as an administrator with PBSI and with (Suhandinata had visited Sudirman the night other governing bodies such as the Asian before his death). In that letter of August Badminton Confederation and International 1986, Suhandinata suggested something Badminton Federation. tangible be done in Sudirman’s memory and asked if IBF would consider Indonesia’s Although his contributions to badminton proposal for a competition to be instituted in were vast, he is most remembered for his his name. pivotal role in helping the unification of the The idea was discussed at the IBF Council world governing body. In February of 1978, meeting by Arthur Jones in 1986. By 1988 a breakaway group from the IBF – called the IBF had been convinced to hold a World Badminton Federation – was formed World Mixed Team Championships and accepted Indonesia’s offer of the trophy. and, for a while, two parallel circuits were in As the calendar was tight, the IBF Council operation. Badminton’s Olympic aspirations decided the Sudirman Cup be staged in were in danger but efforts at reconciliation conjunction with the World Championships, had hit several roadblocks. but in alternate years.

Sudirman (pictured at right) had friends The first Sudirman Cup was played at Bung in both camps and initiated an informal Karno Stadium in Indonesia from 24-29 May meeting in Bandung between leaders of 1989 with 28 participating teams. It proved the two federations on 28 May 1979. He proposed the setting up of a working study extremely popular with players and fans, group comprising leading figures of the two and, by the eighth edition, it had built up federations to find a way out of the impasse. enough momentum to be staged as a stand- He also suggested friendly matches alone event. between players of the two federations. His proposals were accepted and formed the This year’s Vivo BWF Sudirman Cup will be basis for reconciliation efforts. Exactly two held 10-17 May in Dongguan, China, with years later, on 28 May 1981, the two world the hosts defending the title they won in bodies were united. 2013 in , Malaysia.

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org PAGE 6 What’s in a Trophy?

The Sudirman Cup, like the other major trophies in badminton such as the , the and the Suhandinata Cup, is an exceptional piece of workmanship which combines elements of badminton and the cultural heritage of Indonesia – the country that donated the trophy.

Created in honour of Dick Sudirman, the founder-President of PBSI, the trophy is made of 22-carat gold- plated solid .

The lid was inspired by the upper terraces of the world-famous Borobudur Temple in Java (pictured below) which are adorned with several bell-shaped domes and open-work stupas containing statues of the Buddha.

Standing 80 cm high, the trophy is mounted on an octagonal base made of the finest jati wood. The body of the cup is shaped like a shuttlecock and the handles are shaped like stamens, symbolising the seeds of badminton.

The trophy was made by the Masterix Bandung Company at a cost of US$15,000. It was presented to International Badminton Federation in May 1989.

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org PAGE 7 Tougher Anti-Doping Regulations Protecting the rights of athletes to compete One of the key changes is that first-time laboratory results, therapeutic use in ‘clean sport’ is the key principle violators now face stiffer punishments of exemptions (TUEs) and information on anti- underpinning the World Anti-Doping Code four years for an anti-doping rule violation – doping rule violations. 2015 which came into effect 1 January this double the previous two-year punishment. year. “The biological passport is an ongoing “This will be a deterrent particularly for medical record of an individual which shows In line with this, BWF’s new Anti-Doping Olympic aspirants,” noted BWF Secretary an athlete’s biological markers,” noted Lund. Regulations – which came into force at the General, . same time – ensure a more comprehensive “Monitoring the profile through urine and/ and tougher approach to combatting the or blood sampling over time would tell us “Four years is a universal timeframe. A player if there are changes in biological markers possibility of doping in badminton. caught in the middle of an Olympic cycle that might indicate the use of prohibited will blow his or her chances of competing at substances.” These regulations have been approved by two Olympic Games and that will potentially the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and destroy their career.” In preparation for the implementation of the are consistent with the World Anti-Doping new WADA Code, BWF worked with external Code (2015). Doping cheats will now face Another highlight is the greater capacity expertise for three years (2012-2014) longer periods of ineligibility; there will be to prosecute athlete support personnel on a project called ‘Intelligent Practice – more tests conducted through ‘smarter’ (coaches, managers, etc.) who are involved Optimising BWF’s Anti-Doping Programme’. approaches; greater use of investigations in doping. The focus of the project was to develop a more effective and efficient anti-doping and intelligence; better cooperation between There will be a focus on ‘intelligent’ programme. international sports federations and national approaches, consisting of monitoring a anti-doping organisations; and reliance on player’s biological passport maintained The WADA Code 2015 has a number of education for athletes to highlight the pitfalls under ADAMS, which is a web-based implications for BWF in terms of anti-doping of doping and other unethical practices. database management system containing practices. The main ones are listed below:

Investigations Emphasis on investigations and the use of intelligence in the fight against doping.

Entourage The ability to prosecute athlete support personnel who play a role in doping in sport.

Smarter Testing More wide-ranging, multi-pronged approach, making it less possible for athletes to anticipate tests.

NADA/IF Cooperation Improved cooperation between BWF and National Anti-Doping Agencies (NADAs). BWF and NADAs to share knowledge, thereby strengthening information and intelligence.

Values-Based Education Education programmes focusing on prevention, where BWF works in cooperation with NADAs. BWF members have to BWF will continue its anti-doping awareness at tournaments. assume responsibility for education of national players.

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org PAGE 8 New Badminton Research Underway Seven projects have been awarded research grants for 2014-2015 by the BWF’s Sports Science Commission. topic This is the second successive year that BWF is providing funding for applied sports-science research in badminton. These projects Player Development and Coaching promise to illuminate important areas to both players and Systems in Four Leading Badminton associations, but which have previously received little attention from researchers. Nations Institution The projects are: Leeds Metropolitan University

topic The venture aims to identify and examine good practice Relationship Between Developmental in player development and coaching in four world-leading Activity and Skill Acquisition badminton nations (China, Denmark, India, Indonesia, and Korea). The study will provide case studies of player area development and coaching systems, identifying principles and models of good practice to inform system development, Sports Psychology opening up knowledge of good practices to other countries Institution and undertaking comparative analysis among systems. Liverpool John Moores University

This project will examine the amount and types of developmental activity engaged in by elite adult badminton topic players and their association to acquire skill. As physical preparation and fitness in badminton are relatively Influence of Technique on Smash homogenous for elite players, it is skill and other psychological Speeds and Consistency attributes that tend to differentiate players. While physical preparation of players is underpinned by scientific principles, area the training of skill and psychological attributes are less so. Biomechanics and Motor Control Scientific knowledge about the developmental activities of elite badminton players can be used to identify sub-optimal Institution developmental activity and training pathways. Further, it can School of Sport, Exercise and Health be used to design optimal pathways for aspiring players to enable them to expedite skill acquisition and achieve Sciences, Loughborough University expertise.

This study seeks to understand why, although modern badminton is focused on power and attacking play, some individuals smash the shuttle harder than others. It will also topic look at the important aspect of consistency. Elite badminton players will be studied to explain the key techniques that Estimation of Energy Expenditure While influence variations in shuttle speed. Playing Under New Scoring Systems area Physiology/ Match Analysis Institution topic Department of Biomedical Sciences for Use of Badminton as a Tool to Improve Health, University of Milan Health and Fitness area Exercise Physiology This will define the physiological demands and activity Institution profile of badminton players during the current ‘3x21’ and the (proposed) ‘5x11’ scoring system matches. St Mary’s University

For the first time the relationship between HR (heart rate) and V’O2 (maximal oxygen consumption) during badminton specific tasks will be compared with laboratory tests in The research will focus on the use of badminton to improve order to validate HR as an indirect V’O2 estimation method. physical-health outcomes. It will study the use of badminton Meanwhile, accelerometry will be validated as a method to as a tool to increase people’s physical fitness levels through assess the energy expenditure in badminton activities. The weekly badminton sessions. The physical demands of the results of this study are expected to provide an integrated sport and the ability for those of all experience levels to approach for the evaluation of badminton players during enjoy and participate suggest badminton may be a possible matches and training sessions. tool in increasing physical activity and improving the health of people.

Continues on page 9

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

topic topic Strength Ratios in Junior and Elite Frequency, Location and Severity of Badminton Players Acute and Overuse Injuries in Junior area Players Biomechanics, practise, training area science, sports medicine Sports Injuries/ Injury Prevention Institution Institution Institute for Sport Science (Saarland Faculty of Kinesiology, University of University); Olympic Training Centre Zagreb Rhineland-Palatinate; University of Applied Sciences; Sports Medicine This is an investigation into the specific epidemiology of Department (Diakonie-Hospital) acute and overuse injuries in junior players and any possible link possible anthropometric or motor deficiencies. The study will deal with the frequency, location and severity of acute Aiming to throw more light on specific strength ratios in and overuse injuries in junior badminton players (17 to 19 badminton, this initiative will also investigate whether these years). The most common situations of injury will be studied, values/ratios (especially shoulder and arm muscles) have as will possible correlations between their anthropometric an effect on a sport-specific movement pattern such as a status and foot alignment. Additionally, differences in smash. There are conflicting findings on the influence of specific physical activity on strength ratios and this study explosive strength between injured and non-injured junior aims to address that, since strength ratios of specific muscle players will be evaluated. The results will contribute to the groups are used with junior and elite athletes to assess the exact planning of effective preventive training procedures in risk of injury and to guide rehabilitation. junior players.

Continued from page 1 Lifetime Achievement Award

Wang Wenjiao (China)

John Havers (England) Stalwarts Distinguished Service Award Prof Dr Puzant Kassabian (Bulgaria) Honoured Mike Walker () – Technical Official Havers and Wang top the administrative honours, both being bestowed Women in Badminton Award with the BWF’s Lifetime Achievement Award while Dr. Kassabian has received the Distinguished Service Award and Nesbitt is the Women in Badminton Award Winner. The achievements of two technical officials Val Nesbitt (Australia) – Mike Walker of Canada and Junichiro Yamada of Japan – have also been recognised. Now retired BWF Umpire, Walker has been given the Certificate of Commendation Distinguished Service Award while his colleague is among 13 persons given Meritorious Service Awards. Sports Development Foundation (Jamaica)

After his playing days, Havers served as a selector, team manager and Meritorious Service Awards administrator, contributing significantly to improving the standard of the game in his country. The establishment of the National Badminton Daniel Gosset (Belgium) Centre took place during his tenure as Chairman (1996 to 2004). Havers received his award at the recent Yonex All Bujung Witarsa (Brazil) England Championships from BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer. Dieter Kespohl (Germany) National head coach (1979-1993), Wang’s visionary introduction of new coaching techniques helped China become a badminton power. Also an active Council Member of the International Badminton Gerd Pigola (Germany) Federation (IBF) from 1984–1998, the 81-year-old was instrumental in the development of the “Laws of Badminton”. Lung Wing Kwong () Dr Kassabian has been promoting badminton in Bulgaria and the Audley Astwood (Jamaica) Balkan region since 1965. He was also head coach of the national team for 21 years and is currently in his 23rd consecutive year as President of Dr. Kingsley Ford (Jamaica) the Bulgarian Badminton Association, having served and the BWF. Walker, one of BWF’s most experienced and respected Marcia Ramikie-Williams (Jamaica) umpires, has officiated in the biggest events, including the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games. Walker, now a BWF Umpire Assessor, received Hideo Takahashi (Japan) his award during All England week in March, while 74-year-old Dr Kassabian will be honoured at the BWF Delegates’ Gala Dinner in May. Junichiro Yamada (Japan) - Technical Official Recipient of the Women in Badminton Award, Val Nesbitt began her badminton journey as a player at age 15. This 81-year-old life member of HRH Tengku Kamil Ismail Tengku Idris Shah (Malaysia) helped form many badminton clubs in Victoria and started under-15 and under-17 competitions which have blossomed Tan Sri Ir (Dr) Mohamed Al-Amin Abd Majid (Malaysia) into national tournaments. Nesbitt also organised several badminton promotional events and trips. Wan Mohammed Haji Wan Awang (Malaysia)

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org PAGE 10

‘Nihao’ Shuttle Time

“Millions of people across the world speak “The demand for Shuttle Time is high but Mandarin and we can now communicate with we want to ensure our implementations them through the language of badminton.” are sustainable so we need the right infrastructure. We must have personnel Shuttle Time is currently available in Arabic, at the confederations’ level who run the English, French, German, Hungarian, initial programmes and pass the baton to Indonesian, Italian, Mandarin, Persian, teachers and community leaders. Then Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Slovak, there’s an ongoing need for equipment – Slovenian and Spanish – with more language shuttles, rackets, nets and clothing – and we versions in production. have had significant help through various Shuttle Time recently unveiled its 15th partnerships and thanks to the Equipment language version with the translation of its Meanwhile, Shuttle Time has been Donation Project during the past year. resources into Mandarin (pictured above). extending its global footprint as it targets 90 implementations by mid-year, with African “We are already seeing positive examples of This latest edition of BWF’s grassroots nation, Benin, having been the 85th member the impact Shuttle Time can have within our schools’ programme opens a range of association to embrace the programme in member associations. Many of them have possibilities for growing and spreading March with 15 tutors and 25 teachers being seen growth in their school membership badminton even further globally, as trained. as well as an increase in entries for junior Mandarin-speaking populations worldwide competitions.” will be able to use this key development tool. When BWF’s Annual General Meeting Shuttle Time was first piloted in 2011 “As an international federation it is crucial (AGM) takes place in tandem with the and officially launched in 2012. The we provide high-quality educational BWF Sudirman Cup in China in May, the BWF’s Strategic Plan original targeted 50 resources to the badminton community, in international federation is hoping half its 182 implementations by 2016. The programme diverse core languages. The addition of a members will have activated Shuttle Time. is fundamental to realising BWF’s vision of Mandarin Shuttle Time version will expand Plans are also afoot to introduce Shuttle Time making badminton “the most played school the potential reach of our programme in in Cameroon, Ecuador, , Myanmar, sport in primary and secondary schools Asia and beyond,” noted BWF Development , , and Wales soon. worldwide”. Chair, David Cabello. “It’s great how our membership has responded to this development strategy. “There are many sports for schools Shuttle Time has expanded quickly, well to consider when delivering physical beyond what we had targeted at this stage. education and sport to pupils. Through Now we have to reassess our plans and Shuttle Time, our aim is to make badminton how we should progress in the future,” said an appealing, popular and easily accessible Cabello. school sport. The provision of resources, instructional video clips and training in multiple languages, has been encouraging more and more schools to teach badminton – and this is another element of that plan.

85 AND COUNTING: Benin is the latest BWF member to implement Shuttle Time.

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org