WORLD SHUTTLJULY - SEPTEMBER 2015 / EDITION NO. 11 E

ROYALLY GOOD! recently received some royal publicity at one of the leading medical institutions in .

During a visit to the Paraplegic Hospital in Toledo, His Majesty King Felipe VI took to the badminton courts with some of the patients as he tried out a number of sports which are used as part of the rehabilitation programmes.

The Paraplegic Hospital is the most important medical centre for the treatment of spinal injuries in Spain and one of the most important in Europe. Patients there practise badminton twice weekly, thanks to an arrangement with Castilla-La Mancha Badminton Federation (the regional federation and a member of Badminton Spain) which provides trainers.

The aim of these sessions is to increase the range of movement, both for patients who can stand and those who are wheelchair- bound like Erik (pictured with King Felipe). Trainers have indicated that patients who practise badminton regularly improve their movement and upper-body coordination.

Photo: © Casa S.M. El Rey highlights

Golden Triple for Lee and Choong (PAGEs 3-4) BADMINTON ‘Yun-ique’ Zhao Doubles – Again! (PAGE 6) BFORWF AND HOPEIOC TEAM UP IN HAITI As BWF zeroes in on 100 Shuttle Time Shuttle Time was first introduced to the Caribbean key dates implementations globally by December, the island in 2012 with the help of Haitian Badminton grassroots initiative continues to thrive in Haiti Federation, Peace and Sport and the Badminton thanks to collaboration between the International Pan Am Confederation. The objectives included 13-18 October Open Olympic Committee (IOC) and BWF. (Superseries Premier), developing a local workforce to deliver badminton in schools and communities, creating opportunities The manner in which badminton is growing in Haiti 20-25 October Yonex for children to be active and experience fun, and (Superseries), is an excellent example of how BWF has embraced like-minded organisations to develop the sport introducing a schools’ badminton competition. 27 October Bitburger Badminton Open worldwide as it strives to live up to its goal – and Thereafter, BWF and Badminton Pan Am maintained -01 November (Grand Prix Gold), Saarbrucken motto – of “Giving Every Child a Chance to Play”. support for badminton development in Haiti through 03-08 November Victor further Shuttle Time activities. (Grand Prix Gold), Jeonju Ravaged by a deadly earthquake in January 2010, Haiti’s sporting rejuvenation has benefited from the 04-08 November BWF World Junior Championships However, thanks to the Sport for Hope Centre, – Team Championship Sport for Hope Centre, opened last year in Port- badminton and Shuttle Time are now on firmer (BWF Major Event), au-Prince by IOC President Thomas Bach. This footing with Shuttle Time sessions being held there establishment – a joint venture by the IOC, its key daily as well as in schools throughout Haiti. In 10-15 November Thaihot Open stakeholders and the Haitian government – features (Superseries Premier), December 2014, Guillaume Gailly – a BWF Shuttle modern sporting facilities and offers Haitians the Time trainer from – delivered Shuttle Time 10-15 November BWF World Junior Championships opportunity to experience various sports, including – Individual Championships badminton. The partnership between the Sport Tutor/Teacher training to 22 participants at the well- (BWF Major Event), Lima for Hope Centre and BWF resulted from Shuttle equipped Centre; some of whom were full-time sports trainers working there. The multi-purpose 17-22 November Yonex-Sunrise Open Time’s initial success in Haiti and, importantly, the (Superseries), Kowloon advantage of having active Shuttle Time tutors complex accommodates 14 Olympic sports, in place. These factors significantly influenced besides having classrooms, a fitness centre, a 24-29 November Yonex Brasil Open (Grand Prix) badminton’s selection as a core sport in the Sport medical centre, changing rooms and a gazebo. The – Rio 2016 Test Event, for Hope Centre. badminton hall can hold six courts. 24-29 November Open (Grand Prix Gold), Macau Continues on page 5

01-06 December Yonex Sunrise Indonesian Masters (Grand Prix Gold), Malang, BWF’s integrity campaign 09-13 December Dubai World Superseries Finals (Superseries Premier), Dubai …coming soon!

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org PAGE 2 editorial

Dear Colleagues and Friends

Over the past few months, we have celebrated the successes of worthy winners in three different World Championships and have continued to see amazing talent emerge from across the global spectrum.

In mid-August, the TOTAL BWF World Championships took centrestage in , and yet again China’s and Carolina Marin of Spain stood tall in the singles categories. There was also an incredible repeat for ; the Chinese star retaining her Doubles double in the Women’s and Mixed disciplines, with partners, and Nan respectively.

Finally, could even the most partisan fan deny what a fitting finale it was for our gracious hosts, Indonesia, to claim the last gold medal of the tournament – Men’s Doubles – on the eve of their 70th Independence Day anniversary? Poul-Erik Høyer BWF President Well done to and for sparking unbridled joy among their compatriots packed into the colourful Istora Senayan.

It was an epic conclusion to an enthralling event!

Then it was on to the BWF Para-Badminton World Championships in mid-September in the ‘home of para sports’, Stoke Mandeville, . There we were shown that physical impairment is no deterrent to competitiveness, skill and the sheer will to win. These championships – the first since para-badminton’s historic inclusion in the 2020 Paralympic Games – underlined what a compelling sport it is, featuring very talented and courageous athletes.

Congratulations to Rachel Choong of England and Korea’s Lee Sam Seop for competing brilliantly to win three golds each as well as to all their peers who also won medals and represented their respective countries proudly. As we in BWF continue our efforts to grow para-badminton globally, it was wonderful to see 223 athletes from 37 countries across four continental confederations playing, with each confederation winning at least one medal. These are positive signs for the future.

That event was following by the increasingly-popular BWF World Senior Championships in Helsingborg, , where more than a thousand players converged to vie for age- group World titles, starting from +35 to +70 in the five traditional disciplines. Helsingborg Arena was an amazing sight to behold with action taking place on 14 courts in two halls. In some regards, it was a flashback to past top-flight tussles, with some well-known personalities battling for honours.

The likes of two-time Men’s Doubles World champion (USA); former Indonesian international ; former Men’s Singles World champions, Harijanto Arbi (Indonesia) and Peter Rasmussen (Denmark), were among those who enjoyed a memorable outing in Helsingborg.

Meanwhile, at elite level, attention has reverted to the MetLife BWF World Superseries and the race is well and truly on for qualifying places in the season-ending Dubai World Superseries Finals. Following the Yonex Open and Victor in September, there are four tournaments remaining as the best in badminton seek a spot in the spectacular finale to 2015.

Who will be there?

Your guess is as good as mine!

Poul-Erik Høyer

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org PAGE 3

Mamiko Toyoda of Japan lost her Women’s Singles SU 5 crown.

Amnouy Wetwithan of won two gold medals. BWF Vice President – Para-Badminton, Paul Kurzo (left), presents Chairman of , Derek Batchelor, with a token of appreciation. Golden Triple for Lee and Choong Rachel Choong and Lee Sam Seop savoured “I’m going to be up on cloud nine for a good beat Thailand’s Jakarin Homhaul/Amnouy triple success at the BWF Para-Badminton while. It means more also as it’s in England. Wetwithan, 23-21 21-17. World Championships in August, leading Only my mum was with me when I won in their respective countries to four golds each. so having all my family here to see also copped four of the 21 titles up for me become World champion again today grabs, with golden runs in Men’s Singles Competing in the SS 6 sport class, Choong really has been the icing on the cake. I am SL 3 and SL 4, with victories for Pramod boasted winning performances in Women’s so happy,” said the Liverpool native. Singles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Bhagat and Tarun Tarun respectively. Their Doubles at Stoke Mandeville Stadium in Meanwhile, Lee Sam Seop dominated the team-mates, Anand Kumar Boregowda and England. Having secured the Women’s wheelchair competition, not only remaining Manoj Sarkar, won Men’s Doubles SL 3-SL Doubles gold with Rebecca Bedford, the the Men’s Singles WH 1 champion but 4 and India also took gold in Mixed Doubles 21-year-old then retained her singles crown SL 3-SU 5, thanks to Raj Kumar and Parul by beating her partner 21-13 21-2 in the final adding the Men’s Doubles WH 1-WH 2 Dalsukhbhai Parmar. and teamed up with Andrew Martin to inflict and Mixed Doubles WH 1-WH 2 titles to his another loss on Bedford and Jack Shephard in trophy cabinet. the Mixed Doubles showdown (21-16 21-4). Other stand-out performances came from The top-seeded Korean overcame ’s Cheah Liek Hou; Norway’s Helle The triple World champion was thrilled Germany’s Thomas Wandschneider in Sofie Sagoy and Amnouy Wetwithan of with her success as she and other para- the singles final, 21-9 21-12; won Men’s Thailand, with two gold medals apiece. badminton athletes look ahead to the sport’s Doubles with Kim Kyung Hoon (21-17 19- debut in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. A total of 223 players from 37 countries “I hadn’t realised I was the first English 21 26-24) versus their team-mates, Kim competed in the biennial, four-day player to win three (golds) in the same Jung Jun/Lee Dong Seop; and took Mixed championships and that feels amazing. Doubles honours with Kim Yeon Sim. They tournament.

A diving Leonardo Zuffo of . Action-packed Stoke Mandeville Stadium. BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org PAGE 4

BWF Para-Badminton World Championships 2015 – Winners

MS SL 3: Pramod Bhagat (India) MS SL 4: Tarun Tarun (India) MS SS 6: Didin Taresoh (Malaysia) MS SU 5: Cheah Liek Hou (Malaysia) MS WH 1: Lee Sam Seop (Korea) MS WH 2: Kim Jung Jun (Korea) MD SL 3 - SL 4: Anand Kumar Boregowda/Manoj Sarkar (India) MD SS 6: Krysten Coombs/Jack Shephard (England) MD SU 5: Cheah Liek Hou/Hairol Fozi Saaba (Malaysia) Denmark’s Julie Thrane won a MD WH 1 - WH 2: Kim Kyung Hoon/Lee Sam Seop (Korea) gold, silver and bronze. WS SL 4: Helle Sofie Sagoy (Norway) WS SS 6: Rachel Choong (England) WS SU 5: Julie Thrane (Denmark) WS WH 1: Wang Ping (China) WS WH 2: Amnouy Wetwithan (Thailand) WD SL 3 - SU 5: Helle Sofie Sagoy (Norway)/Katrin Seibert (Germany) WD SS 6: Rebecca Bedford/Rachel Choong (England) WD WH 1 - WH 2: Sujirat Pookkhum/Amnouy Wetwithan (Thailand) XD SL 3 - SU 5: Raj Kumar/Parul Dalsukhbhai Parmar (India) XD SS 6: Andrew Martin/Rachel Choong (England) XD WH 1 - WH 2: Lee Sam Seop/Kim Yeon Sim (Korea)

Triple gold medallist, Lee Sam Seop (left), and partner Kim Kyung Hoon were victorious in Men’s Doubles WH 1-WH 2 for Korea.

England’s Rachel Choong won one of her three golds in Mixed Doubles SS 6 with Andrew Martin.

Mixed Doubles SL 3-SU 5 winners, Raj Kumar and Parul Dalsukhbhai Parmar of India.

Wang Ping of China was delighted with ’s lone representative, Nina gold in Women’s Singles WH 1 at her first Kersten, took home silver in WD SS 6, BWF World Championships. partnering Randika Doling of Sri Lanka.

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org Continued from page 1 PAGE 5

Ultimately, the goal of the Sport for Hope Centre is to nurture Haiti’s sporting talent, hopefully resulting in youth like Alma progressing to represent their nation at regional and possibly international level at events like the Pan Am Juniors and the Youth .

Hence the potential and opportunity which simply getting “a chance to play” a sport like badminton can offer to children all over the world – thanks to co- operation such as that between BWF and IOC-funded Sport for Hope Centre.

Badminton competitors in the first-ever National Schools Championships in Haiti.

The Centre was also the location for the Federation of Haiti. A stringing machine is also inaugural National Schools Championships being provided by BWF and will be kept at the held in May this year by the Haitian Badminton Sport for Hope Centre. An official development Federation. The event provided an opportunity plan, to be signed by BWF, Badminton Pan Thanks to the Sport for Hope Centre (below), for children involved in Shuttle Time to enjoy badminton and Shuttle Time in Haiti have progressed Am Confederation and Badminton Federation significantly from their outdoor beginnings (above). friendly competition against pupils from other of Haiti, will outline the roadmap for future schools. The tournament was officiated by development. trainee umpires and line judges who had just participated in a BWF-sponsored Umpire, Line Alma Duggary is one of the children excited Judge and Competition Management Training by the blossoming badminton infrastructure in course. Haiti. Having been introduced to it via Shuttle Time, he is now “addicted”. “We must also improve the technical expertise around badminton so that our membership can “Badminton allows me to dream big,” declared officiate and manage their own competitions,” this proud winner of two medals at the recent noted BWF Development Chair, David Cabello. schools’ championships. “For us to be successful in the long term, this must be a holistic process.” “I never saw badminton being played before but I wanted to practise it. Something attracted While the Centre provides transportation me to it. Once I started playing, I was addicted. and meals, BWF has been ensuring players I imagine badminton rallies at night when I’m have enough equipment to pursue the sport. sleeping. I won two medals at the schools’ In June 2015, kit bags containing rackets, championships and this will push me to shuttles and nets were sent to the Badminton succeed in badminton for my country.”

Anti-Doping Stalwart Passes Away Chair of BWF’s Doping Review Panel, Finn Mikkelsen, died suddenly on Sunday 27 September. He was previously Head of Section, Research, Anti-Doping and The 66-year-old, who held that position since 2010, contributed Physiological Testing at Team Denmark (1999 – 2004) and a greatly to the BWF Anti-Doping Programme both as Chair of the consultant to the Danish Elite Sports Institute (Team Denmark) Panel and as an external expert and adviser to the BWF. (1986 – 1999).

Mikkelsen (right) was well known in the anti-doping community as “We are shocked and saddened by Finn’s passing and we express well as in the badminton community in his homeland Denmark in sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues,” said particular, through both his research in badminton and performance BWF Secretary General . training/coaching and his pioneering work at Anti-Doping Denmark of which he was Executive Director from 2004 to 2010. He had been “We truly appreciated his time with us, his advice and support. involved in anti-doping for more than 20 years before his retirement BWF has benefited immensely from his knowledge and significant from Anti-Doping Denmark. His expertise resulted in him being contribution to our anti-doping programme and his continuous much sought after by major international sports organisations. availability as an expert volunteer on our panels.”

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org PAGE 6 ‘Yun-ique’ Zhao Doubles – Again!

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The TOTAL BWF World Championships 2015 will be remembered for another epic performance by Zhao Yunlei (6).

In a repeat of her heroics a year ago in , the Chinese wonder woman stood tall in the Istora Senayan in Jakarta Women’s Singles, a discipline they have with two more World Championship gold dominated since the early 1980s. With their medals to bring her overall tally at that level top three players failing to reach the semi- to five; three in Mixed Doubles and two in finals, this was the first time China returned Women’s Doubles. without a medal in Women’s Singles.

By retaining her titles at the 22nd edition of Spain’s Carolina Marin defended her the championships, the tenacious 29-year- Women’s Singles (5) title with a typically old became the first woman to win five World feisty victory against India’s in titles. the final. Marin fought back from deficits in FINALS RESULTS the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. /Zhao Yunlei (CHN) bt Liu Zhao and Mixed Doubles (1) partner Zhang XD: Cheng/ (CHN) 21-17 21-11 Nan brushed aside younger compatriots Liu The Men’s Singles (3) followed a different Cheng/Bao Yixin before Zhao and Tian Qing pattern. Chen Long defended his title Carolina Marin (ESP) bt Saina Nehwal faced Danish duo / without losing a game all tournament. The WS: (IND) 21-16 21-19 for the Women’s Doubles final in particular was one-sided as Chen (4) crown. The Danes grabbed the early comfortably thwarted all of ’s Chen Long (CHN) bt Lee Chong Wei momentum, but Zhao/Tian steadily chipped attempts and the Malaysian never appeared MS: (MAS) 21-14 21-17 away their lead, eventually gaining the upper confident of overcoming his Chinese hand to ensure China’s third gold – and that nemesis. Tian Qing/Zhao Yunlei (CHN) bt their reign as World champions continues WD: Christinna Pedersen/Kamilla Rytter Juhl another two years until the TOTAL BWF Local heroes Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra (DEN) 23-25 21-8 21-15 World Championships 2017 in , Setiawan were all over China’s Liu Xiaolong/ . in the Men’s Doubles (2) showdown, making it a perfect gift for the MD: Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan (INA) bt Liu Xiaolong/Qiu Zihan (CHN) 21- While China, despite many setbacks during boisterous crowd as curtains fell on the 17 21-14 the week, still finished with three gold tournament on the eve of Indonesia’s 70th medals, they would be concerned about Independence Day.

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org Shuttle Time Dubai Local Training Centre at Dubai National School in Al Barsha. PAGE 7

Dubai Blazing Badminton Trail

Indian star shuttler, Saina Nehwal (front row; The Men’s Doubles presentation ceremony centre), was the special guest at the first Shuttle at last year’s World Superseries Finals. Time Dubai Schools Championships.

For a region with limited exposure to world- Nehwal. The Indian visited Dubai in April this Meanwhile, the season finale of this year’s class badminton until recently, Dubai has come year to interact with and inspire participants MetLife BWF World Superseries is again set for a long way in just over a year. of the school championships. The first Shuttle Hamdan Sports Complex from 9-13 December. Time Dubai Girls’ School Championships saw Having been held for the first time at the The Middle East metropolis has been a participation from 176 girls of 15 schools. Six impressive venue in 2014, the Dubai World sparkling example of the progress of badminton teams that made it to the finals and six teams Superseries Finals will once more showcase in a stunningly short time. While the year-ending from the Boys’ Emirati Badminton Challenge an elite cadre of players as only the top eight Dubai World Superseries Finals draws most got to meet Nehwal. in each discipline qualify to compete. Ahead of the attention, a number of developmental of next year’s much-anticipated Rio 2016 projects have contributed to establishing a When Dubai Sports World opened in June this Olympic Games, it is certainly one of the most base for badminton in Dubai. year, badminton also had a prominent presence spectacular events. for the second successive year. Six free-to-play Following the announcement of a multi-platform courts were a hive of activity, with players of all Last year’s Men’s Singles champion Chen Long partnership between BWF and Dubai Sports ages in Shuttle Time Dubai T-shirts displaying enjoys a clear lead at the top of the Destination Council in April 2014, Shuttle Time Dubai their skills. Grassroots badminton continued to was launched in July, attended by players make strides later in the year, with the first BWF Dubai Rankings, having won four World such as Hendra Setiawan, Mohammad Ahsan Coach Level 1 course being held in early July. Superseries titles so far this year. Women’s (Indonesia), PV Sindhu (India) and Kenichi After completing the course at Dubai Sports Singles champion Tai Tzu Ying is in seventh Tago (Japan). Initially targeting 40 schools, World, the group of 14 teachers – six men and place and must avoid any slip-ups at the four Shuttle Time Dubai aimed to train more than eight women - from local schools, clubs and remaining World Superseries tournaments if 80 teachers to deliver safe and enjoyable academies received their BWF Coach Level 1 she is to ensure a chance of defending her badminton lessons to more than 3,000 students certificates. crown. aged between eight and 16. The inaugural Shuttle Time Dubai Club Men’s Doubles champions Lee Yong Dae/ The Shuttle Time programme has periodically Championships were held in August. Over 120 Yoo Yeon Seong (Korea) have found form received a boost from some of the world’s players from 12 teams fought it out over five lately, winning back-to-back titles in Japan biggest stars. Men’s Singles World champion weeks for a shot at the Club Championships and Korea, and hold the No.1 spot ahead of Chen Long (China) visited Dubai shortly after title. Hessa El Kous, Sports Events Planning China’s /Zhang Nan. Women’s defending his title last year, Manager from Dubai Sports Council, was Doubles champions /Ayaka engaging with schoolchildren and players on hand to present the trophies to Group A Takahashi (Japan) suffered a setback in Japan involved with the Shuttle Time Dubai grassroots and Group B winners and runners-up. The initiative. victorious team won the chance to attend and Korea with injury to Matsutomo. They are coaching sessions with former world No.1 currently ranked fourth. Chen interacted with students of three schools, Men’s Singles player, . The icing on hitting shuttles with them and giving them tips the cake for the programme was the launch of Mixed Doubles champions Zhang Nan and on improving their game. Chen was also a four Shuttle Time Dubai Local Training Centres Zhao Yunlei’s run has continued almost guest at the second Shuttle Time Dubai Open in September. The centres will serve to as a uninterrupted this season. The Chinese are at Mirdif City Centre, which caused great talent identification and development pathway well ahead in the rankings, leading Indonesia’s excitement among competitors and spectators. for children participating in the after-school / and Chinese Another star to provide an impetus was Saina programmes. compatriots, /Bao Yixin.

TEAM VICTOR: Shuttle Time Dubai Badminton China’s Zhang Nan (right) and Zhao Yunlei want to Club Championships inaugural winners. defend their Mixed Doubles title at the Finals.

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org PAGE 8 BWF Development: Seniors and Talented Players in Focus

Following the successes of their 2012-2016 development initiatives, BWF continental confederations gathered recently to finalise key strategic priorities for the 2016-2020 cycle. While the intention is certainly to continue spreading Shuttle Time’s wings as a schools-based development programme, the world-governing body’s Development Department will be focusing on the blossoming landscape of seniors badminton.

“It is one of our focal points in the next four years – to support seniors badminton. Seniors is a new growth market in badminton and in sports in general,” disclosed BWF Development Chair, David Cabello. “We have just had a record of more than 1300 competitors in our World Senior Championships in Sweden and we can look around the world and see how many sporting events are geared towards this segment of our population. It is our responsibility, from a development perspective, to implement relevant structures and initiatives to harness this obvious BWF Development Chair David Cabello. interest in badminton.” Another major objective is the implementation of the player development strategy to identify talented players in less-developed and developing member associations and help them improve.

“Our aim is to get more countries up to the elite level of badminton and ultimately to improve the medal spreads at continental championships, World Championships and Olympic Games,” explained Cabello, adding that this programme will be rolled out in collaboration with the confederations.

At the same time, BWF will look to enhance its coach-education framework; further engage with universities on Shuttle Time; and better develop structures and capacity-building among its membership. BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer (right) and BWF Dubai Project “This holistic approach is crucial to the overall development of badminton. Coordinator, Jaffer Ebrahim. We have to look at building all parts of our sport simultaneously. We have a sound and popular grassroots programme and our members need the accompanying coaching, administrative and event-management structures to support the interest in badminton that will result from Shuttle Time and other badminton initiatives,” noted Cabello. “BWF is committed to continuing to develop cutting-edge resources to back up the development of badminton in new and existing members in operational areas. We now have an Educational Resource Manager, Sharon Springer, who is focusing on establishing these courses for our global requirements.”

Meanwhile, Chief Operating Officer of Badminton Oceania, Julie Carrel, praised the three-day meeting at BWF headquarters in Malaysia, highlighting the “great networking” among continental colleagues.

“It’s inspiring to share plans and hear what others are doing. These BWF Development Director Ian Wright. meetings help to assure us that we are on the right track with initiatives like Shuttle Time and coach education. We are getting a lot of support from BWF,” she said.

“There’s a good understanding of our challenges, like having a small staff so we have to multi-task and prioritise. However, we are keenly aware that we need to pay attention to all aspects and connect player development and events with others aspects of badminton.”

BWF Operations Director Stuart Borrie (left), Nadia Bleaken and Julie Carrel (right) of Badminton Oceania.

183 and Counting!

The Libyan Badminton Federation has become the newest member of the Badminton World Federation.

This brings the world-governing body’s membership total to BWF Events Chair Peter Tarcala (left), BWF Events Director 183 (176 members and 7 associate members). Darren Parks (centre) and BWF Technical Events Manager, Chris Trenholme, spearheaded the one-day Events workshop which followed the Development meeting with continental confederations.

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org PAGE 9 Yoneyama Honoured Yonex founder and Honorary Chairman Minoru Yoneyama has received the Badminton World Federation’s highest honour – the President’s Medal – for his “truly exceptional contribution” to badminton. The elderly Yoneyama was presented with the medal by BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer (left) before the start of the Yonex Open Japan 2015 semi-finals in Tokyo in September. Recipients of this honour, awarded to distinguished individuals or organisations who have made exceptional contributions to badminton, are nominated exclusively by the BWF President. Yoneyama is the second recipient of the award after His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand in 2012.

Yoneyama (right), whose family was in the woodwork industry, demonstration sport and will continue this unique bond at next began his company after World War II, manufacturing wooden year’s Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The company has also partnered rackets. The company was at the forefront of technological changes with BWF to promote and develop badminton globally. In his native in the sport, transitioning from wood to aluminium and then carbon Japan, Yoneyama has established the Yonex Sports Development fibre. Yonex’s support for players, events and organisations helped Foundation to fund young athletes and sports in general. badminton grow globally. “We want to continue to reach more players, both social and “Today is an opportunity to recognise the exceptional contribution professionals around the world. Most of all, to bring joy to people, that Mr Minoru Yoneyama has made to our sport over the last for them to maintain good health just by swinging the racket or to 55 years,” noted Høyer, paying glowing tribute in his citation to spend quality time socially by playing badminton. Our aim is always Yoneyama whose company started producing badminton rackets to evolve our products and use them to promote badminton,” said in 1957. Yoneyama, thanking the BWF President for the honour. Yonex has been the sole supplier and sole stringer for badminton “The most important thing is that each player’s racket enables them since the sport debuted in the 1988 Olympic Games as a to play with a sense of joy.”

BWF Commercial & Communications Japan team members at the Players’ Director, Owen Leed, speaks to players. Media Education Programme. Two-time Olympic gold medallist, Dan (front; centre), and his Chinese team-mates listen attentively. Makings of a Star Stars like Chen Long, , Christinna welcomed the players and spoke of how on the dangers of new media, since a Pedersen and others became diligent important it is for badminton players to ‘personal’ post or tweet could easily become students as they attended the BWF Players’ communicate better with key stakeholders. public. Media Education Programme on the eve of the TOTAL BWF World Championships in The modules in the programme dealt Japan head coach Park Joo Bong lauded August. with facets of media interaction such as the initiative. attentiveness and body language; interview The workshops, devised to enhance players’ tips; the use of phrases in English or the “It’s good that BWF has conducted this profiles as sports stars, sought to help local language to establish a rapport with the programme. In fact, we are also thinking of conducting similar programmes for them interact better with media, fans and press and fans; fulfilling sponsor obligations Japanese players on the national circuit, so sponsors while pointing out the benefits of and expectations; being aware of how that they become aware of how to talk to the building a strong, wholesome image – both personal conduct influences sponsorship; media,” he revealed. to themselves and to their sport. getting to know what fans want and expect, and how the players stand to benefit from Both Tan and fellow Athletes’ Commission Many top countries, including China, better interaction with various stakeholders. member, of Indonesia – Denmark, Indonesia, Japan and Korea currently a top Women’s Doubles player – attended the sessions. The programme, Players were given brochures with easy- also praised the BWF for educating athletes divided into easy-to-follow modules, to-remember points that can help promote on such important aspects. was presented by BWF Commercial & themselves, their sponsors and the sport. Communications Director Owen Leed and The presenters emphasised the importance “There were some good suggestions on Communications Manager Gayle Alleyne. of players putting themselves in the shoes how to present oneself during an interview. of their fans and realising that people seek I’m sure our players will benefit from this BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer and BWF insights into their lives and personalities. training. It was quite comprehensive,” said Athletes’ Commission Chair Yuhan Tan However, the players were also cautioned Polii.

BADMINTON WORLD FEDERATION www.bwfbadminton.org PAGE 10 SENIORS SHINE IN SWEDEN

Women’s Singles +70: Renate Gabriel of Germany (centre) retained her title while Barbara Gibson (England) took silver and Elvira Richter of Germany (right) won bronze. Mixed Doubles +55 silver medallists, More than 1300 competitors, including some Toshiyuki Kamiya (right) and Kuniko well-known faces, descended on Helsingborg, Yamamoto of Japan. Sweden in late September for the BWF World Senior Championships.

The biennial, week-long tournament saw World champions crowned in age groups, ranging from +35 to +70, in all five disciplines. While stepping up to senior level, it was familiar territory for the likes of former World title-holders, Tony Gunawan, Peter Rasmussen and Harijanto Arbi, who were among the winners.

BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer attended the finals and highlighted the friendly rivalry and camaraderie which prevailed.

“There’s an overwhelming atmosphere of fun – both on and off the courts – which makes this a Men’s Singles +55 medallists (left to right): superb tournament and I hope it will maintain this Jack Priestman (; silver); Hastomo Arbie spirit as it continues to flourish as an important (Indonesia; gold); Seiji Eto (Japan; bronze) and Men’s Singles +40 winner: event on our calendar,” he said. Loke Poh Wong (; bronze). Peter Rasmussen (Denmark).

WD 45: Anne Birgitte Nielsen/Gitte Sommer (Denmark) bt WS 60: Christine M Crossley (England) Christine Black Mie Hanyu/Akiko Ueda (Japan) 24-22 16-21 21-10 (Scotland) 21-15 21-19 FINAL Results: XD 45: Bo Sorensen/Gitte Sommer (Denmark) bt Jakob MD 60: Jiamsak Panitchaikul/Surapong Suharitdumrong Age Group +35 Oestergaard/Lene Struwe Andersen (Denmark) 25-23 21-8 (Thailand) bt William Hamblett/Graham Holt (England) MS 35: Stanislav Pukhov () bt Thorsten Hukriede 21-12 21-11 (Germany) 21-13 21-16 Age Group +50 WD 60: Christine Black (Scotland)/ WS 35: Rebecca Pantaney (England) bt Mayumi Bando MS 50: Chang Wen-Sung (Chinese ) bt Narong () bt Marguerite Butt/Ann Hurst (England) 21-16 (Japan) 21-8 21-15 Canichitsarakul (Thailand) 21-19 14-21 21-16 21-8 MD 35: Tony Gunawan (USA)/Flandy Limpele (Indonesia) WS 50: Lone Hagelskjaer Knudsen (Denmark) bt Jeannette XD 60: Rob Ridder (Netherlands)/Marjan Ridder bt Naruenart Chuaymak/Apichai Thiraratsakul (Thailand) Can Der Werff (Netherlands) 14-21 21-13 21-12 (Netherlands) bt Graham Holt /Ann Hurst (England) 21-13 21-13 21-9 MD 50: Surachai Makkasasithorn/Narong Vanichitsarakul 21-10 WD 35: Kazumi Ichinohe/Noriko Sanada (Japan) bt (Thailand) bt Karyanto Tan/Hadi Suganyanto Wahono Sunniva Aminoff (Sweden)/Claudia Vogelgsang (Germany) (Indonesia) 21-14 21-14 Age Group +65 21-18 21-15 WD 50: Charlotte Dew-Hattens/Grete Sahlertz Kragekjaer MS 65: Johan Croukamp (South Africa) bt Per Dabelsteen XD 35: Tommy Sørensen/Lisbeth T Haagensen (Denmark) (Denmark) bt Cathy Bargh/Kay Vickers (England) 21-13 (Denmark) 21-18 21-12 bt Thorsten Hukriede/Michaela Hukriede (Germany) 21-17 21-14 WS 65: Rose Lei (USA) bt Yuriko Okemoto (Japan) 21-12 21-12 XD 50: Chang Wen-Sung (Chinese Taipei)/Zhou Xin (Hong 21-12 Kong) bt Morten Christensen/Helle Sjorring (Denmark) MD 65: Robert J Bell/Royston V Lord (England) bt Vidya Age Group +40 15-21 21-15 21-16 Bhushan Arora/Sushil Kumar Patet (India) 21-18 21-8 MS 40: Peter Rasmussen (Denmark) bt Jurgen Koch WD 65: Yoko Akiyama/Yasuko Kataito (Japan) bt Sumiko (Austria) 21-17 21-11 Age Group +55 Kaneko/Yuriko Okemoto (Japan) 21-13 7-21 21-16 WS 40: Georgy Van Soerland-Trouerbach (Netherlands) MS 55: Hastomo Arbie (Indonesia) bt Jack Keith Priestman XD 65: Royston V Lord/Eileen M Carley (England) bt bt Pernille Strom (Denmark) 21-10 21-10 (Canada) 21-11 21-13 Robert J Bell/Penelope A Shears (England) 12-21 21-13 MD 40: Harijanto Arbi/Tri Kusharjanto (Indonesia) bt Peter WS 55: Heidi Bender (Germany) bt Linda Wood (England) 21-13 Rasmussen/ (Denmark) 21-19 21-17 21-6 21-8 WD 40: Natalia Gonchar/Olga Kuznetsova (Russia) bt MD 55: Uun Setiawan Santoso/Simbarsono Sutanto Age Group +70 Csilla Gondane Forian (Hungary)/Reni Hassan () (Indonesia) bt Trirong Limsakul/Attakorn Maensamut MS 70: Joachim Schimpke (Germany) bt Gerd Pigola 21-16 21-15 (Thailand) 21-18 21-12 (Germany) 24-22 21-12 XD 40: Carsten Loesch/Dorte Steenberg (Denmark) bt Erik WD 55: Heidi Bender/Maren Schröder (Germany) bt WS 70: Renate Gabriel (Germany) bt Barbara Gibson Sjostedt/Nilofar Mosavar Rahmani (Sweden) 21-17 21-13 Jennifer A Cox/Christine M Crossley (England) 21-17 18-21 (England) 19-21 21-14 21-8 21-15 MD 70: Ching Kon Kong/Loo Ah Hooi LOO (Malaysia) bt Age Group +45 XD 55: Stefan Frey/Heidi Bender (Germany) bt Toshiyuki Akira Hirota/Shinjiro Matsuda (Japan) 21-11 21-18 MS 45: Wu Chang-Jun (Chinese Taipei) bt Liu En-Horng Kamiya/Kuniko Yamamoto (Japan) 22-20 21-10 WD 70: Beryl Goodall (England)/Kathleen Jenner (England) (Chinese Taipei) 21-18 22-20 bt Satoko Nakamura/Sanae Uno (Japan) 21-11 24-22 WS 45: Gitte Sommer (Denmark) bt Csilla Gondane Forian Age Group +60 XD 70: Kenneth Tantum/Joanna Elson (England) bt Roger (Hungary) 21-17 21-14 MS 60: Claus B Andersen (Denmark) bt Toshio Kawaguchi Baldwin/Victoria Betts 21-16 17-21 21-12 MD 45: Liu En-Horng/Chang-Jun Wu (Chinese Taipei) bt (Japan) 21-14 21-15 Oleg Grigoryev/Vadim Nazarov (Russia) 21-15 21-8

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