The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has recently made several important announcements regarding the BWF Tournament Calendar for 2021, the reopening of the BWF World Rankings, and crucial information related to qualification and seedings for the Olympic Games in Tokyo. These decisions were made after a thorough review process and consultation with various Member Association hosts.
BWF Tournament Calendar 2021 for Q1 and Q2
The BWF Tournament Calendar for the first and second quarters of 2021 has undergone some changes. Several tournaments have been postponed, while a few Grade 2 tournaments have unfortunately been cancelled. This adjustment has been made to ensure a more feasible tournament program for the year.
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BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund explained that the focus has been on establishing cluster tournaments, such as the upcoming Asian Leg in Thailand in January. The aim is to create a safer and more manageable environment for players and organizers amidst the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19.
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Lund acknowledges that the pandemic will continue to influence tournament hosting throughout 2021. However, there is hope that as the COVID-19 vaccine becomes more widely available, the restrictions will gradually ease.
Major Championships in 2021
The TOTAL BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2020, which were postponed earlier this year, will now take place in Aarhus during Week 41 of the season. This event will be part of a tournament cluster in Denmark, alongside the DANISA Denmark Open 2021 in Odense during Week 42. Badminton enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting week of top-level competition.
As for the TOTAL BWF Sudirman Cup 2021, discussions are underway with the Chinese Badminton Association and the host city of Suzhou to find a suitable window within the BWF Tournament Calendar 2021. Further dates for the Mixed Team World Championships will be announced as soon as possible, allowing players and fans to plan ahead.
Reopening of BWF World Rankings & Olympic Qualification and Seedings
The BWF World Rankings will reopen after the conclusion of the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2020 in Week 4 of 2021. The calculation of the next BWF World Rankings list will be announced on Tuesday, February 2, 2021. This news brings excitement for players who are eager to see where they stand in the rankings.
The Olympic Qualifying period for the Race to Tokyo will also resume in 2021, with the YONEX Swiss Open 2021 in Week 9 being the first tournament to count towards qualification. The qualification period will be extended until Week 19, ending with the Indian Open 2021. The Race to Tokyo Rankings published on May 18, 2021, will determine the qualifiers and seedings for the Tokyo Olympic Games this year.
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The BWF is working closely with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to update the qualification system for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. More information about the updated regulations will be shared in mid-January, following formal approval by the IOC. These measures have been put in place to accommodate the uncertainties caused by COVID-19 and ensure the safety of all participants.
Tournament Host Support Package
Recognizing the financial impact on tournament hosts and the additional requirements for health and safety protocols, the BWF Council has approved a COVID-19 Support Package. This package offers financial assistance and cost-relieving initiatives to tournament hosts, enabling them to continue organizing events as part of the HSBC BWF World Tour and BWF Tour in 2021.
The support package covers expenses related to implementing BWF COVID-19 protocols, which include testing, ensuring hotel safety, cleaning, providing face masks to participants, and sanitizing equipment. The BWF encourages hosts to maintain minimum prize money levels as high as possible to benefit top players while considering the possibility of reducing costs.
FAQs
Q: What changes have been made to the BWF Tournament Calendar for 2021?
A: The BWF Tournament Calendar for the first and second quarters of 2021 has experienced some adjustments, including postponements and cancellations of Grade 2 tournaments. These changes aim to create a more manageable and feasible tournament program amidst the challenges posed by COVID-19.
Q: When will the BWF World Rankings reopen?
A: The BWF World Rankings will reopen after the conclusion of the HSBC BWF World Tour Finals 2020 in Week 4 of 2021. The updated rankings list will be announced on Tuesday, February 2, 2021.
Q: How will qualification for the Tokyo Olympic Games work?
A: The Olympic Qualifying period for the Race to Tokyo will resume in 2021. The YONEX Swiss Open 2021 in Week 9 will be the first tournament to count towards qualification, and the Indian Open 2021 in Week 19 will be the last. The Race to Tokyo Rankings published on May 18, 2021, will determine the qualifiers and seedings for the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Conclusion
The Badminton World Federation is committed to adapting to the challenges posed by COVID-19 and ensuring the best possible experience for athletes and fans. By making strategic adjustments to the tournament calendar, reopening the world rankings, and implementing support packages, the BWF is laying the groundwork for a successful and safe 2021 badminton season.
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