Bendigo to host international badminton tiple-header

BENDIGO will further cement its reputation as an international badminton hub when it hosts a triple-header of elite class tournaments next month.

Starting on 15 October, the YONEX Bendigo International will run for five days at the Bendigo Eaglehawk Badminton Stadium, with the final four days corresponding with the four-day VICTOR Oceania Para Championships (16 to 19 October).

These events will be followed by the YONEX Australian Para Badminton International from 20 to 25 October

In a coup for the city and the local association, Bendigo has secured the hosting rights for a further two years after this year’s events.

Bendigo Eaglehawk Badminton Association president Sam Daykin said preparations for a big two weeks of international action were on track.

“It’s certainly going to be a busy time – as I keep telling people, we’ve got three tournaments, two sponsors and one stadium,” he said.

“We’ve got 16 courts at the stadium and we’ve just invested in new rubber matting flooring, so it’s in tip-top shape.

“This is the fourth time we’ve had the International in Bendigo, with men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles and mixed doubles, so it will be an action-packed five days.”

The YONEX Bendigo International has attracted more than 220 nominations from players from over countries, with the highest ranked players in the world’s top 40 and 50.

Behind the Australian contingent, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Singapore and New Zealand will be the best represented nations.

A parochial Daykin credited the facilities at the Eaglehawk stadium and the local association’s long-standing relationships with key bodies as the keys to its ability to regularly host high-calibre events.

“I believe we have the best badminton stadium in regional Victoria, which is a great start,” he said.

“But we also get great support from the City of Greater Bendigo and Badminton Australia, an in turn Badminton Oceania.

“They recognise our value and how passionate we are.”

Bendigo will have representation in the para-ranks, with Caleb Logan gearing up for his first tournament.

Logan, a multi-code athlete, has previously competed with plenty of success in wheelchair football, para-volleyball and wheelchair basketball.

Badminton Australia CEO Tjitte Weistra is delighted to see the return of international tournaments to Bendigo for the next three years.

“Bendigo is a beautiful city that’s rich in history and we are delighted to be returning for the next three years,” he said.

“We are very thankful to the Victorian State Government, City of Greater Bendigo and YONEX for the ongoing support which has enabled these events to become major fixtures on the Australian badminton calendar.

“This investment demonstrates a strong commitment to both competitive badminton and inclusive sports in Australia, and we look forward to welcoming athletes and fans to Bendigo in the coming years.

“These events will provide an invaluable opportunity for Australian athletes to compete in international tournaments on home soil, ensuring the continued growth of badminton from grassroots to high-performance levels.”

Badminton Oceania secretary general Julie Carrel said the announcement represented a historic moment for badminton throughout the region.

“The funding support for these three tournaments in Bendigo marks a significant milestone for badminton across Oceania,” she said.

“The integration of able-bodied and para badminton competitions in the same venue at the same time is not only a significant achievement but also demonstrates our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all athletes can come together to enjoy our great sport.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to compete, share experiences, and celebrate badminton and all that it offers.”

Entry to all three tournaments is free.