Get behind inaugural BWF World Badminton Day

Badminton England are delighted to announce our support for the first ever World Badminton Day on July 5 2022.

The landmark occasion was created by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and will celebrate its establishment as the International Badminton Federation (IBF) on the same date in 1934.

Badminton England CEO Sue Storey stated that the event is set to become an annual opportunity, to engage both new and existing badminton participants all around the globe.

She wants to encourage players and fans across the country to grab their rackets and get involved for a day of enjoyment and fun.

Storey said: “I had played Badminton at school but nothing more until I met my husband in my mid-twenties, he and his whole family were, and still are, badminton mad and I was fully introduced to the sport.

“I only achieved and enjoyed the game at club level, but spent many hours on the side of a court enjoying watching him and members of his family play matches and tournaments.

“30 years later, we now have four badminton playing kids and a wide group of friends through the sport.

“I am honoured and privileged to have been given the chance to lead the sport I have been so close to for so many years and to be able to develop and grow a sport I love.

“One thing I really love about the sport is the ability to play a knock about game at whatever level.

“For me, one of the best aspects of the sport is the gender equality, it’s so great for kids to be playing a mixed sport and developing their sporting skills in a mixed environment, as well as being able to focus on their own gender for singles and doubles.

“As a woman who is passionate about promoting women’s sport and women in sport, I am delighted to have the opportunity to be able to grow a sport that is inherently equal.

“World Badminton Day provides an opportunity to celebrate all that is great about the sport and I hope many millions of people discover how fabulous the sport is – I want everyone to pick up a racquet and have a go – who knows where that will lead to!”

Whether it’s at your local badminton club, school, university or just in the park, the event is a brilliant chance for long-time and brand new fans to come together and celebrate the sport.

The BWF has stated that the event can be enjoyed in multiple ways, with music, food and entertainment to make it a day to be remembered for those involved.

Badminton England’s Performance Director, Morten Frost said: “I come from a very small place 100 Km outside Copenhagen. In those days, kids in the village played football in the summers and badminton in the winter.

“We were very fortunate to have a small two court purpose build badminton hall open all day for us kids to roam around. My Dad was the best player in the village and introduced the game to me when I was 7 years old.

“The game is awesome as it requires so many skills, agility, reactions, power, delicate touches, persistency, and intuition to find the soul in the game. Never is one situation the same.

“On top of that you can play as team, partnership or individual. The game can be played at any age and a game for both genders. Today some kids are starting to play around 3-4 years of age, and we have senior world championship for 80 plus ages.

“I personally hope a million badminton activities will happen all over the country and the world as it’s a great chance to showcase our wonderful sport.”

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