BWF MILESTONE – 75TH anniversary of founding

Dr Kang also expressed his gratitude to each of the 165 BWF Members, the Continental Confederations and BWF Council members past and present who have been instrumental in developing the sport in their respective countries or continents.

The BWF, formally known as the International Badminton Federation (IBF), was founded on 5 July 1934 by nine countries led by the Badminton Association of England. The other founding member countries were Canada, Denmark, France, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Scotland and Wales.

In 1934 a proposal was made by the Badminton Association of England to establishment an international body which would be responsible for the laws and the control of all aspects of the sport world-wide.

Invitations were sent to all known national associations who were active in the sport and at 10.30am on Thursday 5 July 1934 at the Conference Room, Centre Block, Bush House, London - a meeting started with representatives from nine countries and the meeting ended with the formation of the International Badminton Federation.

“The sport has evolved over the years, namely its philosophy, rules, laws, format and all these have been either forced upon us or necessary to keep up with the changing times,” said Dr Kang in a message to Members of the BWF.

“As a sport with a rich tradition and history, we have also faced challenges over the years. But through all these challenges and change, there is one key ingredient that has kept the Federation moving and growing in the right direction, and that is its Members. All 165 of you. Without your commitment and wholehearted support, badminton will not be where it is today” Dr Kang added.

“I must also thank the thousands and thousands of volunteers who sacrifice their weekends either to officiate or coach our talented young players.”

Dr Kang also expressed his appreciation to the sponsors who have been solidly supporting badminton over the years, and in particular in recent months despite global economic challenges.

He also reiterated the Council’s commitment to consolidate badminton as one of the top racquet sport in the Olympic Games programme. On the back of a hugely successful Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Dr Kang said the BWF will continue to work hard and ensure London 2012 is another major success for the sport.

“As an Olympic sport, we are still very much at the infancy stage but we are buoyed by the very successful Beijing 2008 Games and we will strive to work very much harder to ensure London 2012 is another major success for the BWF”.

“To that end, my colleagues in Council and I, and the BWF staff are fully committed to realising this goal.”

The BWF hosted a 75^th anniversary luncheon following the BWF Annual General Meeting in May this year and is currently in the process of preparing for the publication of a book which reflects on the achievements and the personalities in the sport over the last 75 years.

Posted by Lucas Liau on 8:40 AM. Filed under Anniversary, BWF, News . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0