The Badminton World Federation will take its goal of developing para-badminton in tandem with badminton to greater heights in 2019, when the World Championships for both disciplines are – for the first time ever – hosted jointly by Basel, Switzerland.
In a historic decision last Friday, the BWF Council gave the nod to Swiss Badminton’s enterprising bid to hold the BWF Para-Badminton World Championships 2019 at the same time as the TOTAL BWF World Championships 2019. The dual staging of these BWF Major Events will take place at St. Jakobshalle, a venue with a seating capacity of 9,000.
“This is a momentous occasion for BWF and Swiss Badminton – and indeed for the development of our sport and our athletes; bringing able-bodied athletes and athletes with impairments together to showcase their talents under the same roof with their World Championships being held at the same time,” declared BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer.
He noted that, since assuming responsibility for para-badminton in June 2011, BWF’s avowed mission has been to develop that branch of the sport along the same lines as badminton – with the motto One Sport – One Team.
“The spectacle of two World Championships, being jointly staged, will propel this philosophy to a unique level,” added Høyer.
“It will be something special and amazing to see and we must congratulate Swiss Badminton on their innovative and ambitious thinking. They have convinced us – the BWF Council – that they can deliver these tournaments, to world-class standards together, and we look forward to this historic occasion.
“It will surely raise the bar for hosting premier sporting events.”
Having first mooted the idea of joint World Championships in March when they bid successfully for the TOTAL BWF World Championships 2019, Swiss Badminton pursued their objective with a follow-up bid for the para-badminton showpiece.
“We are extremely proud that Basel has been awarded both the BWF Para-Badminton World Championships 2019 and the TOTAL BWF World Championships 2019,” said Swiss Badminton President Robbert de Kock.
“It will be the first time in the history of sport that two World Championships will be organised at the same time and at the same venue. This new mega-event will send a clear message to the world.
“I am looking forward to presenting para-badminton to a whole new audience. Swiss Badminton, the organising committee and Basel are ready!”
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FEATURED IMAGE: BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer (left) congratulates Swiss Badminton President Robbert de Kock after Basel, Switzerland, was chosen to host the BWF Para-Badminton World Championships 2019. The decision was made by the BWF Council at its meeting last Friday in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
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