Thursday, 14 Nov 2024

News | BWF Sudirman Cup

News | BWF Sudirman Cup

The BWF Sudirman Cup holds a special significance in the world of badminton. Named after the late Dick Sudirman, one of the founders of the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) and its president for 22 years, this tournament pays tribute to his contributions to the sport.

Dick Sudirman was a highly respected administrator, not just within PBSI, but also at the Asian Badminton Confederation and the International Badminton Federation (now BWF). His dedication and vision for the sport left a lasting impact.

Following Sudirman’s passing in 1986, his close friend and PBSI vice-president, Suharso Suhandinata, proposed the idea of establishing a competition in Sudirman’s memory. This suggestion was made in a letter to the president of the International Badminton Federation, Arthur Jones, who had visited Sudirman shortly before his demise.

The concept of a World Mixed Team Championships was eventually accepted by the IBF in 1988. The Sudirman Cup was created as a tribute to Sudirman and his invaluable contributions to badminton.

Designed by Rusnandi, a student at the Faculty of Fine Arts of Bandung Technology Institute, the Sudirman Cup is a masterpiece that combines elements of badminton and Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage. The trophy, made of 22-carat gold-plated solid silver, stands 80cm tall on an octagonal base crafted from solid jati wood. Its body is shaped like a shuttlecock, while the lid is inspired by Indonesia’s iconic Borobudur Temple.

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Symbolizing the seeds of badminton, the handles of the trophy are elegantly shaped like stamens. The cup was created by the Masterix Bandung Company and presented to the IBF in May 1989 at a cost of $15,000.

The first Sudirman Cup took place in Indonesia in May 1989, with 28 teams participating. It was held alongside the World Championships due to scheduling constraints. The event garnered immense popularity among players and fans, eventually becoming a stand-alone competition from the eighth edition onwards.

The Sudirman Cup now takes place every two years and has been a showcase of badminton excellence since its inception. While Indonesia emerged victorious in the inaugural edition, China has dominated the tournament, winning all but two editions from 1995 to 2021. Korea interrupted China’s reign in 2003 and 2017, showcasing the competitive spirit of this prestigious event.

FAQs

Q: Who was Dick Sudirman?

A: Dick Sudirman was one of the founders of the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) and served as its president for 22 years. He was a highly respected administrator in the world of badminton, making significant contributions to the sport.

Q: How did the Sudirman Cup come into existence?

A: Following Dick Sudirman’s passing, his close friend, Suharso Suhandinata, proposed the idea of establishing a competition in Sudirman’s memory. This suggestion was made in a letter to the president of the International Badminton Federation, Arthur Jones. The concept of the World Mixed Team Championships was accepted by the IBF in 1988, leading to the creation of the Sudirman Cup.

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Summary

The BWF Sudirman Cup is a prestigious badminton tournament that honors the legacy of Dick Sudirman, a respected figure in the sport. Created to celebrate Sudirman’s contributions to badminton and his role as the president of the Badminton Association of Indonesia, this tournament has become a showcase of talent and skill in the sport.

The Sudirman Cup is known for its exquisite trophy, designed by Rusnandi, which combines elements of badminton and Indonesia’s cultural heritage. Since its inception in 1989, the tournament has been held every two years and has seen China emerge as the dominant force, with Korea interrupting their reign on two occasions.

If you’re a fan of badminton, the BWF Sudirman Cup is a must-watch event that brings together the best teams from around the world, showcasing the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence on the court.

For more information, visit Carnegiecentre.com.