spot_img

Nanjing Wins Rights to Host 2018 World Badminton Championships

spot_img
spot_img

Latest News

spot_img

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Saturday awarded host status for the BWF World Championships in 2018 to the city of Nanjing.

The March 18 press conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, revealed that the championships will be held in the Nanjing Youth Olympic Sports Park Stadium from 30 July to 5 August 5, 2018.

With the stadium featuring the largest indoor gymnasium in China when it opens in the coming months, hosting the World Championships is a coveted accolade. Previous host cities have included many of the world’s sporting capitals including London, Beijing, Paris, Madrid, Copenhagen and Kuala Lumpur.

First held in Malmo, Sweden, exactly forty years ago, badminton’s World Championships originally took place only every three years. In 1983, the event became bi-annual, with a break in years when there were Summer Olympics. Another change came in 2005, when the BWF World Championships switched to being an annual event, but keeping the Olympic break. During these years, the Olympic badminton champion is considered the world champion in all but name.

In addition to its eclectic scheduling, the BWF World Championships are also unusual in so far as no prize money is offered.

A look at the medal table for badminton’s top event is a sobering experience, with China enjoying all but complete dominance, virtually from the start of the competition in 1977.

Speaking at the press conference, BWF president Poul-Erik Høyer commented,

“Our major events showcase the best of badminton, with all of our elite athletes competing. We are excited at the prospect of breaking new ground by going to cities that have not had the honour of hosting our major events before. This is significant for the development of our sport”. 

It is expected that nearly 370 players from 40 countries and regions will take part in the championships next year in Nanjing, while this year’s event runs from 21-27 August in Glasgow, Scotland.

- Advertisement -

Local Reviews

spot_img

OUTRAGEOUS!

Regional Briefings