The AirBadminton global rollout envisioned by the BWF and its Global Development Partner, HSBC, will take its next critical step when the first batch of AirShuttles becomes available for public purchase in March.

An agreement has been made with a Chinese Taipei-based manufacturer and mass production of the AirShuttle is already under way.

This follows AirBadminton’s successful global launch in Guangzhou, China in May 2019, and subsequent delivery of a number of permanent courts on various surfaces for public usage as part of the BWF and HSBC’s community outreach programme.

The first of these courts were unveiled at a special exhibition at the Tianhe Gymnasium in Guangzhou, during the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals on 11 December.

AirBadminton courts at the Tianhe Gymnasium in Guangzhou.

At the same time, the BWF also partnered with Guangzhou Sports Bureau (GSB) to stage its first AirBadminton Ambassador Campaign, where some 50 local players were trained by BWF staff on the rules of the game during a one-day workshop. The participants were then recognised as Certified AirBadminton Ambassadors.

Similar exercises are planned in Guangzhou and other parts of China this quarter and they will coincide with the AirShuttle hitting the market.

This keeps in line with BWF’s Strategic Plan 2020 – 2024 to systematically implement AirBadminton globally and facilitate participation by developing courts in public outdoor spaces.

The ultimate goal is to develop national structures, including competitions and assisting in promoting the game as a healthy outdoor activity.

BWF is also keen to build partnerships and networks to assist the growth and implementation of projects and work with brands and retailers to ensure the AirShuttle and associated equipment are available globally at an affordable price.

The BWF looks forward to working closely with its Continental Confederations and Member Associations to implement the project worldwide.

Implementation guidelines will be shared with Member Associations in February to provide them a clear understanding of the project’s different elements, as well as recommendations on how to implement AirBadminton activities locally.

These progressive steps are part of AirBadminton’s wider five-year lifecycle, which started with a vision to develop a new outdoor shuttlecock – the AirShuttle – with increased durability, stability and wind resistance to allow people to have a more positive experience of badminton outdoors.

BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer said public accessibility to AirBadminton courts would revolutionise the sport:

“We have been working very hard with HSBC and our friends at CBA and GSB to transform under-utilised spaces and install permanent AirBadminton courts in available public areas. This is something we are very excited about and something we believe will be a game-changer for the development of AirBadminton and the sport in general.

“If successful, we hope to see permanent AirBadminton courts erected all around the world. It is also the perfect timing as we expect the first AirShuttles to be on the shelf and available for public purchase globally early next year.”

Read this story in our latest edition of Shuttle World (Pg 13).

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