AirBadminton will make its debut at the ANOC World Beach Games Bali 2023 next year.
The Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) today announced AirBadminton as one of four new sports to be added to the sports programme in 2023.
AirBadminton was chosen based on the fundamental criteria that the programme should include beach sports that can be sustainably delivered and in accordance with the Games' aim to target the youth and inclusivity.
BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer said this is an important milestone for the sport following AirBadminton’s launch in May 2019.
– We have been working on an outdoor badminton concept for many years now and the acceptance of the competitive version of AirBadminton at the World Beach Games is a signal that the sport is here to stay, Høyer said.
– The World Beach Games is a unique opportunity to showcase AirBadminton as a dynamic game that is accessible to all.
– AirBadminton on sand delivers an exciting, skilful, intense level of play, and with such a proud history of badminton in Indonesia, we expect our very first World Beach Games appearance in Bali to be a thrilling one.
AirBadminton at Bali 2023 will feature 72 athletes (36 men and 36 women) across four medal events: Men’s Triples, Women’s Triples, Mixed Doubles, and the Mixed Team Event.
ANOC Secretary General Gunilla Lindberg said it was exciting to see AirBadminton join the programme for Bali 2023.
– AirBadminton will add something completely different to the Games and provide more opportunities for more NOCs to engage new sports, new athletes, and a new generation of fans, Lindberg said.
– We have no doubt that AirBadminton’s inclusion will greatly contribute to the success and the legacy of the Games.
The BWF is finalising a qualification system for the ANOC World Beach Games Bali 2023. Further details will be announced to the BWF Membership in due course.