World’s best ParaBadminton players set to arrive in Glasgow
BADMINTON SCOTLAND CEO Keith Russell has highlighted the upcoming 4 Nations Para Badminton International from 19-23 June at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena as the perfect opportunity to showcase the world’s best Para Badminton players.
As part of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) inaugural Para Badminton World Tour, the 4 Nations is, in terms of prestige, only outshone by the Paralympics and the World Championships.
The 4 Nations is also a core event within the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games preparation period, and Badminton Scotland partnered Badminton England, Badminton Ireland and Badminton Wales to formalise a successful bid to the BWF to host the event.
The tournament is also the ultimate realisation of an exceptional piece of partnership working with UK Sport, who are the primary funding partner and have provided both financial and professional support over a number of years, while both Glasgow Life and EventScotland have also provided crucial financial support.
All of which has allowed Russell to look forward to what should be a ground-breaking Para sporting showpiece and he said: “As we look forward to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, the BWF 4 Nations Para Badminton event is our opportunity to showcase the world’s best Para Badminton players.
“This will be the first opportunity that Badminton enthusiasts and sports fans in Scotland will have had to watch world class Para Badminton and be amazed by the skill and dynamism of the athletes.
“This event is part of an on-going partnership between the Badminton Governing Bodies in Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland and the outstanding partnerships that have been grown have helped develop closer ties across the four countries beyond this event.
“It is also important to recognise the financial support from our funding partners, UK Sport, Glasgow City Council, and EventScotland without whom this event would not be taking place in Scotland.”
The first 4 Nations was held in Dublin in 2022 while Badminton Scotland and Badminton England worked together to secure significant funding from UK Sport for the Scotland and England events, with Sheffield’s English Institute of Sport staging the 2023 tournament last August.
With the 2024 championship set to unfold at the Emirates Arena from June 19-23, Badminton Wales will then play host in 2025.
Looking ahead to the upcoming tournament, Esther Britten, UK Sport Head of Major Events said: “Funded by The National Lottery, we’ve carefully built a programme of major events that will help GB athletes qualify and prepare for the Paralympic Games. As we continue on the journey towards Paris 2024, I’m delighted that we are able to give Para Badminton athletes this opportunity to compete on home soil again.”
Glasgow Life and EventScotland have also fulfilled key roles to secure the sporting showpiece’s realisation.
A spokesperson for Glasgow Life said: “The BWF 4 Nations Para Badminton International tournament will not only provide an important, high-profile showcase for the sport but also presents another great opportunity to highlight Glasgow’s passion for sport and reputation as an experienced, welcoming host city for major events.
“The huge success of recent years’ sporting highlights, including the 2023 UCI World Cycling Championships and 2024 World Athletics Championships, has consolidated Glasgow’s status as one of the world’s leading destinations for international competitive events. The city’s 2023 European Capital of Sport title – and achievement of being the first to hold it twice – is testament too to our track record for staging spectacular sports, and our commitment to inspiring, encouraging and enabling engagement with sport, ensuring inclusivity, and promoting the wealth of wellbeing benefits.”
Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland’s Director of Events, said: “I am delighted that EventScotland is supporting the 4 Nations Para Badminton International through our International Events Funding Programme.
“Events play an important role in our communities, enabling us to connect, enjoy and share memorable experiences and I’m sure crowds will be treated to a thrilling taste of what’s to come in Paris later in the year.
“As ever, Emirates Arena will provide the perfect stage for the event, and we look forward to welcoming both audiences and the world’s best Para Badminton players to Scotland”.
With vital world ranking points on offer to support seeding positions in Paris the event will crucially also have a significant role in developing the visibility and growth of para badminton in Scotland and hopes are high that the 4 Nations legacy will inspire many people to take up badminton far beyond Paris.
Reflecting on all of this Badminton Scotland CEO Keith Russell concluded: “Ultimately Badminton Scotland is proud to foster inclusivity, excellence, and unity through the power of sport.
“As such I am confident that the sport on show will inspire future generations and showcase incredible performances from athletes in the final stages of their preparation for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
“Hosting this event in 2024 is a key part of our strategy which will help us raise the visibility of Para Badminton in Scotland and provide us with more opportunities to further develop the sport while also importantly building towards creating a lasting legacy.”
Tickets for the BWF 4 Nations Para Badminton International will be on sale early in May with full details set to be announced soon.
Further information about the 4 Nations ParaBadminton Championships can be found at www.4nationsparabadminton.com