Badminton enthusiasts around the world have a reason to rejoice as the sport makes its debut in the prestigious Mediterranean Games in Mersin, Turkey. This exciting development showcases the growing popularity and global reach of badminton.
A Proud Moment for the Badminton Community
The Mersin University Sports Hall No. 1 will serve as the venue for the badminton matches, which will take place until Sunday, June 30. Players from 11 out of the 24 participating nations, including Croatia, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, and Turkey, will compete for honors in Men’s and Women’s Singles, as well as Men’s and Women’s Doubles.
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A Curious Omission
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Although the Mediterranean Games will feature various badminton disciplines, it is worth noting that Mixed Doubles has been omitted. This situation is reminiscent of badminton’s Olympic debut in 1992 when Mixed Doubles was also absent. It wasn’t until the 1996 Atlanta Olympics that Mixed Doubles was introduced. Perhaps the next edition of the Mediterranean Games, to be held in Tarragona, Spain, will include Mixed Doubles in the badminton events.
Organizational Efforts and Support
Isabelle Jobard, the tournament referee, leads the team alongside her deputy, Ivanka Pokorni. The Badminton World Federation has appointed John Attard, the Secretary General of Badminton Malta (and COMEBA), as the technical delegate for the tournament. The Confederation of Mediterranean Badminton (COMEBA) has been instrumental in bringing badminton to the Mediterranean Games, working tirelessly to achieve this significant milestone. The Turkish Badminton Federation has also provided valuable support along the way.
COMEBA’s Priorities
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COMEBA, reconstituted in 2006 by the Italian Badminton Federation and its President Alberto Miglietta (current Vice President of Badminton Europe), has focused on two key priorities. The first is the integration of badminton into the Mediterranean Games, and the second is the promotion and development of the sport within Mediterranean countries. COMEBA aims to achieve this through training camps, particularly for junior players and their coaches, and by fostering healthy competition in a spirit of friendship and fairness, with a firm stance against performance-enhancing substances.
The Mediterranean Games – A Celebration of Sport and Unity
The Mediterranean Games, held every four years, bring together countries from the Mediterranean basin to promote social and cultural rapprochement. With its unique location at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia, the Mediterranean Sea provides a symbolic backdrop for this multi-sport event. Following Olympic rules, the Games will run for 13 days and feature 32 sporting disciplines. Mersin, the host city, will serve as the venue for most of the events.
Conclusion
The inclusion of badminton in the Mediterranean Games is a significant milestone for the sport and its global expansion. This debut showcases the efforts of organizations like COMEBA and the Turkish Badminton Federation in promoting and developing badminton in the Mediterranean region. As badminton continues to gain popularity worldwide, we can look forward to seeing the sport flourish in future editions of the Games.
FAQs
Q: When and where are the Mediterranean Games held?
A: The Mediterranean Games are held every four years, and the 2013 edition is taking place in Mersin, Turkey.
Q: Which countries are participating in the badminton events?
A: Players from 11 out of the 24 participating nations, including Croatia, Egypt, France, Greece, Italy, Lebanon, Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, and Turkey, will compete in the badminton events.
Q: Will the next edition of the Mediterranean Games include Mixed Doubles in badminton?
A: While Mixed Doubles has been omitted from the current edition, there is hope that the next edition of the Mediterranean Games, scheduled to be held in Tarragona, Spain, will include Mixed Doubles in the badminton events.
Nguồn: https://carnegiecentre.com
Danh mục: Tin tức
