The TOTAL BWF World Championships 2019 held in Basel, Switzerland, were a truly unforgettable event. However, the most cherished moments of the tournament were the celebrations commemorating the 25th edition of the Badminton World Championships. To honor this milestone, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) extended a special invitation to the medallists from the inaugural championships held in Malmo, Sweden, back in 1977. The reception, which took place at St. Jakobshalle, provided an opportunity for the legends of ’77 to reminisce about their accomplishments and reunite with old friends.
Gillian Gilks (now Goodwin), who won silver in women’s singles and mixed doubles, expressed her enthusiasm for the gathering: “To get everyone together like this has been absolutely phenomenal. There are no other places that have managed to gather together original competitors from that far back.” Etsuko Toganoo, the inaugural women’s doubles gold medallist with Emiko Ueno, also shared her thoughts, saying, “It was 42 years ago, but we still remember the match and winning. We remember it well, and it’s just unbelievable to be here.”
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BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer addressed the esteemed group, expressing his honor and gratitude for welcoming the 12 medallists from the very first World Championships to Basel. Høyer emphasized the importance of celebrating badminton heroes and preserving the achievements of the past, stating, “It is where we create a lasting legacy for badminton. And as a former player myself, I truly know how special it is to reach the pinnacle of the sport. I sincerely thank all our legends from 1977 for being part of this special moment.”
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Nora Perry MBE, a BWF Council Member and bronze medallist in both women’s doubles and mixed doubles, highlighted the significance of the event, saying, “Today celebrates our history in the game, and I think we mustn’t forget those players that contributed and did big things in the sport of badminton in the early years. I think the BWF has done so many great things to enhance the sport, to enhance the player, to enhance our whole IOC involvement, and to make sure we are not left behind.”
As the legends watched the current generation of badminton stars in action, they marveled at the remarkable speed of play. Flemming Delfs, the winner of the very first men’s singles title, remarked, “It has developed greatly. The speed nowadays is fantastic. I don’t know if we would be able to manage the first round now with such amazing speed.” Toganoo added, “It is so much bigger now compared to when we played, and we’re really happy to see it become so popular.”
To celebrate the 25th edition of the World Championships, let’s acknowledge the legendary medallists of ’77:
- Flemming Delfs (DEN) – Men’s Singles, Gold
- Etsuko Toganoo (JPN) – Women’s Doubles, Gold
- Emiko Ueno (JPN) – Women’s Doubles, Gold
- Steen Skovgaard (DEN) – Mixed Doubles, Gold
- Gillian Gilks MBE (ENG) – Women’s Singles, Silver & Mixed Doubles, Silver
- Marjan Ridder (NED) – Women’s Doubles, Silver
- Joke van Beusekom (NED) – Women’s Doubles, Silver
- Derek Talbot (ENG) – Mixed Doubles, Silver
- Ray Stevens MBE (ENG) – Men’s Doubles, Bronze
- Thomas Kihlström (SWE) – Men’s Singles, Bronze & Men’s Doubles, Bronze
- Nora Perry MBE (ENG) – Women’s Doubles, Bronze & Mixed Doubles, Bronze
- Joanne Flockhart (SCO) – Mixed Doubles, Bronze
FAQs
Q: What were the TOTAL BWF World Championships 2019?
A: The TOTAL BWF World Championships 2019 was a significant badminton tournament held in Basel, Switzerland.
Q: Why were the celebrations for the 25th edition of the Badminton World Championships special?
A: The celebrations for the 25th edition of the Badminton World Championships were special because they honored the medallists from the inaugural championships held in 1977.
Q: Who attended the reception at St. Jakobshalle?
A: The reception at St. Jakobshalle was attended by the legends of ’77, the medallists from the very first World Championships in 1977.
Summary
The TOTAL BWF World Championships 2019 in Basel, Switzerland, marked the 25th edition of the Badminton World Championships. Legends from the inaugural championships in 1977 were invited to a special reception, providing an opportunity for them to reminisce and reconnect. BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer emphasized the importance of celebrating the sport’s heroes and preserving its legacy. The event showcased the remarkable progress and popularity of badminton since the ’70s. The presence of the past champions added a nostalgic touch to the tournament, reminding everyone of the sport’s rich history.
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