Azerbaijan has been awarded the 2025 European Mixed Team Championships, while Ibiza is to host the 2024 European Junior Championships.
In a week highlighted by the 2024 European Championships, Badminton Europe is making two significant announcements regarding the hosting of upcoming events – the selection of Baku, Azerbaijan, and Ibiza, Spain as the next hosts for the European Mixed Team Championships in 2025 and the European Junior Championships in 2024, respectively.
Baku has recently played a pivotal role in the European badminton scene. After hosting a successful 2023 Badminton Europe Congress, Azerbaijan’s capital city showcased its organisational greatness by facilitating one of the qualification stages for the 2024 European Men’s & Women’s Team Championships.
These successful events have further solidified Azerbaijan's reputation in the badminton scene and make them an excellent choice to set the stage for the 2025 European Mixed Team Championships. "Our previous collaborations with the Azerbaijan Badminton Federation have always been fruitful. Their passion for excellence and our sport make them the perfect hosts for one of our flagship events. We are excited to return to Baku, Azerbaijan, anticipating an exceptional tournament with Europe's best mixed national teams," states Sven Serré, President of Badminton Europe.
Dr. Taleh Ziyadov, President of Badminton Azerbaijan, adds on the announcement: “On behalf of Badminton Azerbaijan, I am thrilled to receive the news that Baku has been selected to host the 2025 European Mixed Team Championships. This recognition underscores the progress made by our federation and its dedicated team in advancing our shared goal of promoting inclusivity and accessibility in the sport worldwide. We eagerly look forward to celebrating Badminton Europe's success together and extending a warm welcome to all teams for yet another unforgettable experience in Baku!”
The picturesque island of Ibiza has been chosen to host the 2024 European Junior Championships, a decision made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Eivissa city and regional councils, the Spanish Badminton Federation, and the Balearic Badminton Federation. The event is set to take place from 26 November to 5 December, 2024, at the Sa Blanca Dona sports hall, followed by the Spanish U15 and U17 International from 6 to 8 December. This venue, home to CB Pitiús, is renowned in the Spanish badminton circuit for its prestige.
BEC President Sven Serré expressed his enthusiasm for the selection of Ibiza, stating, "The Spanish Badminton Federation's expertise in organising top-tier events, combined with Ibiza's proven success as last year's European U15 Championships host, sets the stage for a grand European Junior Championships. We're looking forward to seeing the future stars of European badminton shine in Ibiza."
Ibiza's history of hosting premier badminton events, such as the Iberdrola Spanish International and previous editions of the Spanish U15 and U17 International, reinforces its status as a badminton hub. The island's rich badminton culture, highlighted by its talent pool and Sports Technification Centre, makes it an ideal location for the European Junior Championships.