Badminton is a fast-paced and exciting sport that has gained popularity all over the world. With its roots in ancient civilizations, badminton has evolved into a highly competitive and thrilling game. It requires speed, agility, and precision, making it a challenging sport for players and an enthralling experience for spectators.
Every year, numerous badminton tournaments take place around the globe, showcasing the best players from different countries. These tournaments not only provide a platform for players to showcase their skills, but they also bring together badminton enthusiasts from all over the world.
In this blog post, we will give you an overview of some of the upcoming badminton tournaments, key players to watch out for, tournament schedule and locations, as well as insider tips for fans attending the tournaments. So buckle up and get ready for some exciting badminton action!
Overview of Upcoming Badminton Tournaments
The badminton calendar is jam-packed with various international tournaments that take place throughout the year. However, there are a few major tournaments that are highly anticipated by both players and fans alike. Let’s take a look at some of these prestigious tournaments:
BWF World Championships
The BWF (Badminton World Federation) World Championships is one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world of badminton. It was first held in 1977 and is organized every two years, except for the Olympic years. The tournament features five events: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.
The 2019 BWF World Championships will take place from August 19-25 in Basel, Switzerland. This year, the tournament boasts a prize money of USD 1,000,000, making it the richest badminton event in the world.
All England Open
The All England Open, also known as the Yonex All England Open Badminton Championships, is often referred to as the “Wimbledon of badminton”. It is the oldest and most prestigious badminton tournament in the world and has been held since 1899. The tournament features five events: men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.
The 2020 All England Open will take place from March 11-15 in Birmingham, England. This tournament is highly sought after by players as it offers a hefty prize money of USD 1,000,000 and crucial ranking points for the BWF World Tour.
Sudirman Cup
The Sudirman Cup is a biennial international team event that is organized by the BWF. It was first held in 1989 and features teams from different countries competing against each other in a mixed team format. The tournament is named after Dick Sudirman, a former Indonesian badminton player and official.
The 2019 Sudirman Cup took place from May 19-26 in Nanning, China. The hosts, China, emerged as the champions for the 11th time, defeating Japan in the final. The next edition of the tournament is scheduled to take place in 2021.
Key Players to Watch Out For
One of the main reasons why badminton tournaments are so exciting is because of the exceptional athletes who compete in them. These players not only possess incredible skills but also bring their unique playing styles to the court, making each match a nail-biting affair. Let’s take a look at some of the key players to watch out for in the upcoming badminton tournaments:
Men’s Singles
- Kento Momota (Japan): Currently ranked number one in the world, Kento Momota is considered to be one of the best badminton players of this generation. He has won multiple titles, including the 2019 BWF World Championships.
- Viktor Axelsen (Denmark): The former world number one and Olympic bronze medalist, Viktor Axelsen is known for his tall stature and powerful smashes. He will be looking to make a comeback after being sidelined due to an injury.
- Chen Long (China): A two-time Olympic champion and current world number three, Chen Long is a force to be reckoned with in men’s singles. He will be competing in his home country for the upcoming tournaments.
Women’s Singles
- Tai Tzu Ying (Taiwan): Known for her deceptive shots and lightning-fast speed, Tai Tzu Ying is currently the world number one in women’s singles. She has won multiple titles, including the All England Open and the BWF World Tour Finals.
- Carolina Marin (Spain): The former Olympic gold medalist and world champion, Carolina Marin is known for her aggressive playing style and powerful smashes. She recently made a successful comeback after a career-threatening injury.
- Nozomi Okuhara (Japan): The 2017 BWF World Champion and Olympic bronze medalist, Nozomi Okuhara is known for her speed, agility, and consistent performances on the court.
Men’s Doubles
- Marcus Fernaldi Gideon / Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo (Indonesia): This Indonesian duo is currently the world number one in men’s doubles. They are known for their quick reflexes, explosive power, and dynamic partnership on the court.
- Li Junhui / Liu Yuchen (China): The reigning world champions and Olympic silver medalists, Li Junhui and Liu Yuchen are a formidable pair in men’s doubles. They have won multiple titles, including the 2019 Sudirman Cup.
- Takeshi Kamura / Keigo Sonoda (Japan): The Japanese duo has been consistently performing well on the world stage and are currently ranked number three. They will be looking to make a mark in the upcoming tournaments.
Women’s Doubles
- Yuki Fukushima / Sayaka Hirota (Japan): This Japanese pair is currently the world number one in women’s doubles. They have won multiple titles, including the 2018 All England Open and the BWF World Tour Finals.
- Chen Qingchen / Jia Yifan (China): The Olympic bronze medalists and former world champions, Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan are known for their aggressive playing style and powerful smashes. They are currently ranked number two in the world.
- Misaki Matsutomo / Ayaka Takahashi (Japan): The reigning Olympic champions and former world champions, Misaki Matsutomo and Ayaka Takahashi are known for their precise shots and strong partnership. They will be looking to defend their title at the upcoming tournaments.
Mixed Doubles
- Zheng Siwei / Huang Yaqiong (China): The top-ranked mixed doubles pair in the world, Zheng Siwei and Huang Yaqiong have been dominating the circuit with their exceptional skills and deadly combination. They have won multiple titles, including the 2019 BWF World Championships.
- Dechapol Puavaranukroh / Sapsiree Taerattanachai (Thailand): The current world number two in mixed doubles, this Thai pair is known for their solid defense and quick reflexes. They will be looking to upset the top-ranked Chinese pair in the upcoming tournaments.
- Tontowi Ahmad / Liliyana Natsir (Indonesia): The former Olympic and world champions, Tontowi Ahmad and Liliyana Natsir are currently ranked number three in mixed doubles. They are known for their chemistry on the court and will be looking to make a strong comeback after Natsir’s retirement.
Tournament Schedule and Locations
As mentioned earlier, there are numerous badminton tournaments that take place throughout the year. However, here are some of the upcoming major tournaments that you definitely don’t want to miss:
| Tournament | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|
| VICTOR China Open | September 17-22, 2019 | Changzhou, China |
| DANISA Denmark Open | October 15-20, 2019 | Odense, Denmark |
| YONEX French Open | October 22-27, 2019 | Paris, France |
| Fuzhou China Open | November 5-10, 2019 | Fuzhou, China |
| HSBC BWF World Tour Finals | December 11-15, 2019 | Guangzhou, China |
The complete schedule of all the upcoming badminton tournaments can be found on the BWF website.
Insider Tips for Fans Attending the Tournaments
Attending a badminton tournament is an exhilarating experience for any fan. Not only do you get to witness top-class badminton action, but you also get to interact with other fans and soak in the lively atmosphere. Here are some insider tips for fans attending the upcoming badminton tournaments:
- Plan your trip in advance: With thousands of fans expected to attend these tournaments, it is essential to plan your trip well in advance. Book your tickets, accommodation, and transportation in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
- Get your tickets early: Tickets for major badminton tournaments sell out quickly, so make sure to buy them as soon as they go on sale. You can either purchase them online or directly from the venue.
- Familiarize yourself with the rules: If you are new to badminton, it would be beneficial to familiarize yourself with the rules of the game. This will help you understand the action on the court and make the experience more enjoyable.
- Bring snacks and water: Tournaments can last for hours, and it’s essential to stay hydrated and energized. Bring some snacks and a water bottle with you to avoid standing in long lines at the food counters.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes: As a spectator, you will be sitting for extended periods, so make sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Also, remember to check the weather forecast and bring appropriate clothing.
- Respect the players and fellow fans: Badminton is a highly competitive sport, and emotions can run high during matches. However, it is essential to show respect towards the players and fellow fans. Refrain from making loud noises or using flash photography during rallies.
- Be prepared for long queues: With thousands of fans attending these tournaments, it is inevitable to encounter long queues for security checks, ticket scans, and food counters. Be patient and plan your time accordingly.
- Take pictures and videos: Most tournaments allow fans to take pictures and videos, but make sure to check the rules beforehand. It’s always a good idea to capture the memories of this thrilling experience.
- Purchase merchandise: If you are a die-hard fan of a particular player or team, don’t forget to buy their official merchandise from the venue. It’s an excellent way to show your support and add to your collection.
- Stay until the end: The final matches of any tournament are usually the most exciting and intense. Make sure to stay until the end and witness the crowning of the champions.
Conclusion
The upcoming badminton tournaments promise to be full of excitement and nail-biting matches. With top players from all around the world competing against each other, these tournaments will surely be a treat for badminton enthusiasts. So mark your calendars and get ready to witness some world-class badminton action!
