Thursday, 21 Nov 2024

BWF World Junior Championships 2020 Cancelled

BWF World Junior Championships

The organizers of the BARFOOT & THOMPSON BWF World Junior Championships 2020 have announced the cancellation of the event. Due to the ongoing restrictions and uncertainties caused by COVID-19, the Badminton World Federation (BWF), Badminton New Zealand, and tournament organizers had no choice but to cancel the event.

A Difficult Decision

BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund expressed disappointment over the cancellation, stating that the entry restrictions and complexities related to the COVID-19 situation made it impossible to plan and host the event in New Zealand as scheduled in January 2021. With the host for the next edition already selected for later in 2021 and the uncertainty expected to continue, postponement was not a viable option.

However, Badminton New Zealand remains committed to the World Junior Championships. The BWF has accepted their proposal to host the 2024 edition as a replacement for the lost event. The hosts for the 2021, 2022, and 2023 championships have already been awarded, making 2024 the next available year.

Recognition and Appreciation

The BWF expressed gratitude towards Badminton New Zealand, tournament organizers, ATEED, and the New Zealand Government for their enthusiasm and commitment to staging the World Junior Championships. Lund emphasized the fairness of awarding Badminton New Zealand the 2024 edition in recognition of their efforts.

Despite the disappointment felt by junior players turning 19 years old in 2021, missing out on the World Junior Championships, the BWF encourages them to continue developing their talent and participate in open international events. The hope is for a more consistent junior international badminton calendar in 2021 and the next World Junior Championships in China in October 2021.

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A Kiwi Experience

Joe Hitchcock, Chief Executive of Badminton New Zealand, acknowledged the disappointment of the cancellation but commended the decision considering the current situation. He expressed gratitude towards the BWF, Barfoot & Thompson, and event partners for their support and accommodation in ensuring the successful hosting of the 2024 event.

Richard Clarke, Head of Major Events at ATEED, shared the disappointment of the badminton community and Auckland as the host, but welcomed the news that the event will not be lost to the region. He highlighted the international governing body’s decision to award New Zealand the 2024 event as a testament to the country’s world-class events destination reputation.

Exciting Future Prospects

The cancellation of the World Junior Championships sets the stage for an exciting period of international badminton events in Auckland, New Zealand. The BARFOOT & THOMPSON BWF World Junior Championships have been secured for 2024, followed by the BARFOOT & THOMPSON BWF World Senior Championships in 2025.

FAQs

  • Q: Will the World Junior Championships be rescheduled for a later date?

    • A: No, due to the uncertainties and the host for the next edition already selected, the event will not be rescheduled but replaced by the 2024 edition.
  • Q: What happens to junior players who turn 19 years old in 2021 and miss out on the World Junior Championships?

    • A: The BWF encourages them to continue developing their talent and participate in open international events.

Conclusion

Despite the disappointment of the cancellation, the BARFOOT & THOMPSON BWF World Junior Championships will return in 2024, providing a uniquely Kiwi badminton experience. The decision to award New Zealand the event speaks volumes about the country’s reputation as a world-class events destination. The anticipation and excitement for future international badminton events in Auckland continue to grow.

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