Under the gracious patronage of Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi
Sharjah to host the Inaugural AirBadminton World Cup 2025
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has announced that the Emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates has been selected to host the inaugural AirBadminton World Cup, which will take place from 11 to 14 December 2025. The event will be held under the generous patronage of H.H Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council. It will be organized by the UAE Badminton Federation in collaboration with Sharjah Sports Council.
This championship marks the beginning of a new era for AirBadminton, a sport first launched by the BWF in 2019, along with its specially designed outdoor shuttlecock. It is part of a broader international strategy to develop a full-fledged system for AirBadminton.
A fully equipped, purpose-built outdoor venue will be installed at a site to be announced in Sharjah. The tournament will feature 72 athletes representing 12 teams from five continents, distributed as follows: Asia: 3 teams, Europe: 3 teams, Africa: 2 teams, Pan Am: 2 teams, Oceania: 1 team and Host Nation (UAE): 1 team.
The competition will include three key events: Team Relay, Women’s Triples, and Men’s Triples. Qualification for the World Cup will be through four continental championships: Pan Am Continental Championships: 12–13 April – Lima, Peru, African Continental Championships: 3–6 July – Accra, Ghana, Asia-Oceania Continental Championships: 8–10 August – Port Dickson, Malaysia, European Continental Championships: 5–7 September – Baku, Azerbaijan.
The highest-ranked team in the Team Relay from each region will qualify for the World Cup, and Triples teams will be formed from already qualified relay team players. Venezuela and Brazil were the first to qualify during the April event.
H.H Eisa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of Sharjah Sports Council, stated: “We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to His Highness the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah for his generous patronage and unwavering support for sport and athletes. Sharjah’s hosting of this championship will further elevate its international reputation, especially given its strong track record in organizing successful sports events. Through the organizing committee, the council will ensure all resources are in place for success and will work to build a lasting foundation for the sport within the emirate—one that supports continued participation in regional and international competitions.”
Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, President of Badminton World Federation, expressed her delight at Sharjah’s selection as host of the first edition, calling it a landmark moment in the sport’s history. She said: “Securing a host for the first-ever AirBadminton World Cup is a strategic milestone in building a comprehensive international calendar for 2025—one of BWF’s core goals.”
She added: “AirBadminton offers a unique opportunity to expand the sport globally. Through this event, federations and athletes from developing nations can participate in officially sanctioned competitions, creating a more inclusive and competitive environment.
Our vision for this championship combines high-level sport with festive atmosphere and community engagement—helping us reach new audiences.
Given Sharjah’s proven experience in hosting beach and outdoor events, we are confident that the Sharjah Sports Council will deliver a remarkable debut and leave a lasting legacy for the sport.”
H.H Noura Al Jasmi, President of the UAE Badminton Federation, commented: “We are deeply proud that the United Arab Emirates—specifically Sharjah—is hosting the inaugural edition of this global championship. It is a historic moment in the journey of the sport, and we reaffirm our commitment to enhancing the UAE’s global sports standing and offering the best opportunities to our athletes.
We are confident that this event will open doors for new talent, inspire future generations, and further cement the UAE’s position as an international sports hub.”
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