Badminton tourneys locked in

IT’S an exciting time to be a badminton fan, with several major tournaments coming to Bendigo this year.

In September, Badminton Victoria is bringing the Protech Bendigo Open and Graded tournament, as well as the Bendigo Junior Classic, to the region.

BV executive general manager TJ Weistra said the Protech Elite Series includes a line-up of Olympians and Commonwealth Games athletes, while the Junior Classic is for the best up-and-coming talent.

“I am beyond excited to bring back one of our flagship events to regional Victoria, the Protech Elite Series,” he said.

“Bendigo has proven to be an excellent city, host, and venue for key badminton events in Australia and I can’t wait to see the top players in Australia descend on Bendigo once again for some fantastic badminton.”

Bendigo Eaglehawk Badminton Association president Sam Daykin said the club members are looking forward to taking part in the events.

“[The association] is excited to be hosting the first Bendigo Junior Classic and a tournament in the Protect Elite Series,” he said.

“With over $6000 in Prize Money, this will see Australia’s best badminton players come to Bendigo to challenge for this prestigious tournament.”

A badminton line judge training course held as part of the events to help players and members earn a new qualification.

A month later, BEBA will host the Bendigo International, which will bring together 200 competitors from Australia and around the world.

Funding for the tournament comes from the State Government’s Significant Sporting Events program.

“I am delighted the Victorian Government is helping bring the best badminton participants to regional Victoria,” Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards said.

“I encourage the community to come along and enjoy this action-packed event right in our own backyard.”

The program also funded the Australian National Badminton Championships, which will be held at BEBA in April 2023.