Archives: News&Events

news and events

Sonia Gouveia appointed as National Participation & Para Manager

Badminton Australia is delighted to announce that after an extensive recruitment process, that Sonia Gouveia has been appointed as the new National Participation & Para Manager.

Sonia was born and bred in the UK with a strong Portuguese heritage and moved to Australia 12 years ago where she fell in love with the weather, culture and endless possibilities. Over the past 15 years, she has led community engagement and sports participation initiatives with a focus on increasing activity levels of under-represented groups, across various sports including Netball and Tennis.

Sonia had her first taste of badminton at 15, and quickly realised she had found ‘her sport’. With an unwavering dedication to continuous improvement, she went on to compete at Uni, and then local leagues. She coached, volunteered at badminton clubs in various roles and became an accredited line judge which opened up the door to being part of amazing national and international tournaments including Commonwealth Games and Olympics.

Sonia said: “I’m excited about introducing badminton in whatever form and format to many more kids and adults in Australia to help foster their lifelong passion for the sport.

“With the Paris Olympics this year, we have a unique opportunity to showcase badminton and para badminton at the highest level in all its glory.

“Badminton truly is a sport that can be played anytime, anywhere and by anyone and that’s something I’m determined to show.”

Badminton Australia’s CEO Tjitte Weistra said: “We are thrilled to have Sonia as part of our team at BA. The National Participation & Para Manager role is a crucial role in our organisation driving participation growth across all our participation programs and initiatives including Shuttle Smash, Shuttle Time, Para Badminton, Inclusion etc.

“I’m confident that Sonia’s experience and love for badminton will shine through and we can’t wait to see the impact she will have on all things participation.”

Sonia will be Sydney based and officially begins her role on 17 July.

Junior Badminton Stars head to Perth for the YONEX U15/U19 Australian National Team and Individual Championships 2024

Junior badminton stars from across Australia are heading to Perth for the YONEX U15/U19 Australian National Team and Individual Championships 2024 from July 9-14.

Held at the Kingsway Indoor Stadium, the first three days of the tournament will see states and territories compete within the Teams event for the prestigious Val Nesbitt (U15) and CP Maddern (U19) Trophies, followed by the Individual Championships which conclude on Sunday July 14.

“We are delighted to be heading over to Western Australia for the 2024 edition of the YONEX U15/U19 Australian National Team and Individual Championships,” Badminton Australia Chief Executive Officer Tjitte Weistra said.

“We can’t wait to see some of the best U15/U19 badminton players in Australia on court at the Kingsway Indoor Stadium competing in both the Team and Individual events.

“This tournament has such an incredible history within our sport, and we’re bound to see plenty of great matches during the next few days.”

Badminton Association of Western Australia President Christine Ferguson said it was an honour to host a National Championship tournament.

“The Western Australian badminton community has a very rich history, and we are thrilled that the YONEX U15/U19 Australian National Team and Individual Championships 2024 will now become a part of our story,” she said.

“This year we are also celebrating the 100th anniversary of our association and there’s no doubt that hosting this event will make the milestone even more memorable.”

Badminton Australia would like to extend its sincere thanks to event major sponsors YONEX, City of Wanneroo, Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and Lotterywest, and to the Badminton Association of Western Australia.

In addition, the tournament also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Australian Commonwealth Games Badminton Team that competed at the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Several members of the 1974 CWG Team will be in attendance during the tournament and will be cheering on Australia’s next generation of badminton stars throughout the week.

2024 Draws:

Val Nesbitt (U15) and CP Maddern (U19): https://bit.ly/3VPX3UE

U15/U19 Individual Championships: https://bit.ly/3zvdtKD

During the 2023 edition of the YONEX U15/U19 Australian National Team and Individual Championships, New South Wales claimed the CP Maddern Trophy while Victoria triumphed over Western Australia to win the Val Nesbitt Trophy.

2023 Individual Winners:

U15: BS: Om Neelam (VIC), GS: Mimi Ngo (WA), BD: Om Neelam (VIC)/Aneesh Nirmal (QLD), GD: Tanvi Sai Mushini (VIC)/Mimi Ngo (WA) and XD: Om Neelam (VIC)/Mimi Ngo (WA)

U19: MS: Asher Ooi (NSW), WS: Isabella Yan (NSW), MD: Jordan Yang/Frederick Zhao (VIC), WD: Dania Nugroho/Catrina Tan (SA), XD: Jordan Yang (VIC)/Sydney Tjonadi (NSW)

For any further media enquiries, interviews with BA or BAWA staff, please contact BA Events and Communications Manager Anthony.pinda@badminton.au (0417 378 993).

Falcons Selection Announcement

Badminton Australia is pleased to announce the (re)selection of the Junior and Senior Falcons (National Junior & Senior Squads) in accordance with the recently updated Athlete Selection Policy.

We would like to welcome Sarah Ung (PBA – VIC) to the Junior Falcons, in addition to Jordan Yang (WSBA Inc – VIC), Frederick Zhao (PBA – VIC), Yuelin Zhang (PBA – VIC) and Ephraim Stephen Sam (Sams Badminton – QLD) to the Senior Falcons.

Junior Falcons:

Roshan Joseph Biju (SKM – WA), Mimi Ngo (An-Yu BA – WA), Asher Ooi (Sydney Jets – NSW), Joanne Zheng (An-Yu BA – WA), Isabella Yan (NBC – NSW), Jazmine Lam (PBA – VIC), Om Neelam (Play Badminton – VIC), Emmanuel Stephen Sam (Sams Badminton – QLD), Timothy Sentosa (An-Yu BA – WA), Maureen Clarissa Wijaya (NBC – NSW), Faye Huo (NBC – NSW), Aneesh Nirmal (Chandler BC –  QLD), Jie Ying Chan (Alpha Badminton – NSW), Chauncey Yu (PBA – VIC), Dion Binod (Sams Badminton – QLD), Bethany Li (PBA – VIC), Yee-Yuan Lim (Infinity – VIC), Victoria Tjonadi (Roketto – NSW), Jordan Wang (DTBA – VIC), Jayden Lim (PBA – VIC), Sydney Tjonadi (Roketto – NSW), Landon Kurniawan (Maxima – NSW), Sarah Ung (PBA – VIC).

Senior Falcons:

Tiffany Ho (NBC – NSW), Setyana Mapasa (Roketto – NSW), Ricky Tang (Dash – NSW), Angela Yu (Sunnybank Hills – QLD), Jack Yu (Sunnybank Hills – QLD), Gronya Somerville (BadFit – VIC), Kaitlyn Ea (Infinity – VIC), Jacob Schueler (Ocean Grove – VIC), Rayne Wang (MUBC – VIC), Kayson Goh (PBA – VIC), Bernice Teoh (An-Yu BA – WA), Dania Nugroho (SPOC – SA), Shrey Dhand (Play Badminton – VIC), Huaidong Tang (NBC – NSW), Ephraim Stephen Sam (Sams Badminton – QLD), Frederick Zhao (PBA – VIC), Jordan Yang (WSBA – VIC), Yuelin Zhang (PBA – VIC).

Unveiling a Masterpiece: First Nations Artwork Celebrates Unity and Belonging within the Australian Badminton Community

Badminton Australia Falcons with CEO Tjitte Weistra and President Julie McDonald. Picture by AJ Taylor Images

In celebration of unity and diversity, Badminton Australia is proud to unveil the new Indigenous artwork that captures the essence of the nation’s badminton community. The design has been incorporated in new staff uniforms, and polo tops for our National Falcons players.

The artwork was created by proud Gunditjmara and Tiwi Islander, Kiewa Austin-Rioli, a talented young artist who designed this distinctive masterpiece as testament to the strength, support, and togetherness that defines the sport of badminton in Australia.

This stunning artwork features eight circles, each representing the unique communities of people from all the states and territories across Australia. These circles serve as symbolic meeting places, where the badminton community finds solace, pride, and unwavering support. The intricate crosshatching within the circles symbolises the unity and resilience that binds players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters together, forming the backbone of Australian badminton.

Within this captivating artwork, dots adorn the outer layer of the circles, paying tribute to the ancestors whose contributions have shaped the sport. These dots represent the support received from those who came before, emphasising the deep roots and history of the badminton community.

Underneath these symbolic circles, a unique tapestry of lines, dots, and crosshatching emerges, showcasing Kiewa’s rich cultural heritage. These patterns embody the core values of strength, support, and togetherness, whilst highlighting the movement and agility synonymous with the game of badminton.

At the heart of the artwork, a majestic Falcon takes flight, symbolising the pinnacle of achievement and high-performance aspects of the sport. Just as the Falcon soars to great heights, the badminton community showcases its tenacity, representing Australia with power, grace, and pride on the global stage.

Badminton Australia CEO Tjitte (TJ) Weistra expressed his admiration for the artwork as the design beautifully captures the spirit of the Australian badminton community.

“It is a visual representation of the values we hold dear – unity, diversity, and the unwavering support we provide to one another,” he said.

“We are immensely grateful to Kiewa for bringing our shared passion to life in such a magnificent way.”

Providing inclusive, safe places for anyone, anywhere, anytime is a passion for Badminton Australia General Manager Participation and Para Clare Walker.

“Sports encourage social interaction and teamwork,” she said.

“By participating in sports, individuals from diverse backgrounds come together, learn to work as a team, and build friendships. This interaction helps in breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of community.”

TotalEnergies BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2024: Day 5

What an incredible week on court for the Falcons in Chengdu, China at the TotalEnergies BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2024!
To cap off the week, our Uber Cup Team went up against Malaysia for their last tie of Group Stage (B).

The highlight of the day was Setyana Mapasa/Angela Yu defeating Pei Kee Go/Mei Xing Teoh (21-15, 21-17) to secure their second match victory of the tournament.

Malaysia was too strong in the other matches and took out the tie 4-1 over Australia.

Gronya Somerville/Kaitlyn EA were defeated 12-21, 21-13, 10-21 by Lo Ee Ho/Zhing Yi Tan.

Tiffany Ho was up against Jin Wei Goh but went down fighting 6-21, 12-21.

Junior Falcons Isabella Yan went up against Siti Zuluaikha (10-21,10-21) and Sydney Tjonadi took on Ling Ching Wong (16-21, 3-21).

Hear from National Head Coach Leanne Choo:

“What an incredible tie against Malaysia.

“Setyana and Angela showed great form all tournament and their win today is testament to the strength of their partnership.

“Their win early on in the tie really boosted the team’s confidence for the remaining matches and we then came close to another win from Gronya and Kaitlyn, but unfortunately Malaysia was just too strong.

“Overall, the entire tournament has given me an insight into the events that we need to focus on, and the players have now seen where they need to be to compete against the world’s best.

“It really has been an eye-opening experience in Chengdu and now we all can’t wait to head home to compete at the YONEX Australian National Championships in Bendigo.”

Full Results: https://bit.ly/3w8Zk4D

Watch all the action live via BWF TV: https://youtube.com/@bwftv?si=OJvcjnQg60gnAzhh

📸 @Badmintonphoto (Tan En En and Mark Chiu Wo)

#Green2Gold2Great #TUC24 #TotalEnergiesBadminton #ThomasUberCupFinals #Chengdu2024 #ThomasCup #UberCup

TotalEnergies BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals: Day 4

What a performance from Falcons Jacob Schueler and Jack Yu who locked in victories this afternoon during Australia’s tie against Canada at the TotalEnergies Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2024!

Jacob secured his win against Canada’s Imran Wadia after taking out the first 21-15, he then went down in the second 16-21, but bounced back 21-16 during the third to seal the victory.

Jack Yu had a challenging contest against Canada’s Joshua Nguyen after losing the first 17-21, but then dug deep to close out the match 21-11, 21-19.

The day began with Brian Yang defeating Ricky Tang 21-16, 21-8, followed by wins to Jacob and Jack, and then a victory back to Canada in the Doubles with Victor Lai/Nyl Yakura defeating Huaidong Tang/Rayne Wang 21-16, 21-19.

With Australia and Canada locked at two-all, the tie came down to the Doubles decider between Kenneth Choo/Jack Yu against Kevin Lee/Ty Alexander Lindeman, however, it wasn’t to be as the Canadians closed out the day 21-16, 21-19 to defeat Australia 3-2.

Hear from National Head Coach Leanne Choo on the matches:

“What a fantastic effort from the boys.

“We knew it was going to be a very competitive tie against Canada.

“What’s most pleasing was watching Jack and Jacob close out their Singles matches after both going into the third game.”

Meanwhile, after yesterday’s tie against Chinese Taipei, our Uber Cup Team had today off to prepare for their Group Stage (B) tie against Malaysia on tomorrow at 11.30am (AEST).

Full Results: https://bit.ly/3w8Zk4D

Watch all the action live via BWF TV: https://youtube.com/@bwftv?si=OJvcjnQg60gnAzhh

📸 Badmintonphoto (Tan En En and Jnanesh Salian)

#Green2Gold2Great #TUC24 #TotalEnergiesBadminton #ThomasUberCupFinals #Chengdu2024 #ThomasCup #UberCup

TotalEnergies BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2024: Day 3

Our Uber Cup Team has secured Australia’s first win at the TotalEnergies BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2024!

Setyana Mapasa and Angela Yu showed great form today in the Women’s Doubles against Chinese Taipei defeating Ching Hui Chang and Ching Tun Yang 21-19, 21-18.

Hear from National Head Coach Leanne Choo on the match:

“It was a great win from the girls today and awesome to get a win on the board.

“Setyana and Angela learned from their loss yesterday and came back onto court today a lot stronger, executing their strategy really well.”

“The win has certainly boosted the team’s confidence for our match against Malaysia later in the week.”

Chinese Taipei was too strong for the Falcons in the other events and clinched the overall win against Australia 4-1.

The squad now has a day off on Tuesday to prepare for their Group Stage (B) tie against Malaysia on Wednesday at 11.30am (AEST).

Meanwhile, Australia’s Thomas Cup Team returns to the court tomorrow morning at 11.30am for their Group Stage (A) tie against Canada.
Full Results: https://bit.ly/3w8Zk4D

📸 Badmintonphoto (Mark Chiu Wu and Jnanesh Salian)

Watch all the action live via BWF TV: https://youtube.com/@bwftv?si=OJvcjnQg60gnAzhh

#Green2Gold2Great #TUC24 #TotalEnergiesBadminton #ThomasUberCupFinals #Chengdu2024 #ThomasCup #UberCup

TotalEnergies BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2024: Day 2

Another great session on court in Chengdu with Australia’s Uber Cup Team going up against Thailand on Day 2 of the TotalEnergies BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2024.

Falcons Sydney Tjonadi (WS), Setyana Mapasa/Angela Yu (WD), Tiffany Ho (WS), Kaitlyn Ea/Gronya Somerville (WD) and Isabella Yan (WS) put up a challenge, however, the Thai team was too strong with the Australians going down fighting 0-5.

The experience of competing on the world stage has given them plenty of momentum for when they return to court tomorrow morning at 11.30am (AEST) against Chinese Taipei for their second match of the Group Stage (B).

Falcons Shrey Dhand (MS), Jack Yu (MS), Huaidong Tang/Rayne Wang (MD), Ricky Tang (MS) and Jacob Schueler/Kenneth Choo (MD) showed strong form this afternoon against Korea during their second match of the Thomas Cup, but were defeated 0-5.

The squad now has a day off on Monday to rest and recover before they go up against Canada in the Group Stage (A) on Tuesday at 11.30am (AEST).

Full Results: https://bit.ly/3w8Zk4D

📸 Badmintonphoto (Mark Chiu Wu and Tan En En)

Watch all the action live via BWF TV: https://youtube.com/@bwftv?si=OJvcjnQg60gnAzhh

#Green2Gold2Great #TUC24 #TotalEnergiesBadminton #ThomasUberCupFinals #Chengdu2024 #ThomasCup #UberCup

TotalEnergies BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2024: Day 1

What a fantastic opportunity it was this afternoon in Chengdu for Australia’s Thomas Cup Team after going up against hosts China at the TotalEnergies BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals 2024.

Falcons Ricky Tang (MS, MD)/ Rayne Wang (MD), Jacob Schueler (MS), Kenneth Choo (MD)/ Huaidong Tang (MD) and Jack Yu (MS) went down fighting 0-5, but gained plenty of valuable experience during the opening day in Chengdu competing against some of the world’s best.

Hear from National Head Coach Leanne Choo on the match:
“They embraced every moment on court this afternoon and what’s most pleasing was watching them all individually execute elements of their game that they had been working on.

“One thing we wanted to see was them to not feel intimidated by the home crowd and just show up on court and play their best – which is exactly what they did.

“I am pleased with today and can’t wait to get underway with the Women’s Uber Cup Team first thing tomorrow.”

Australia’s Uber Cup Team (Group B) is on court tomorrow morning at 10.30am (AEST) for their first match against Thailand.

Australia’s Men’s Team (Group A) returns to the court later in the afternoon at 3pm (AEST) against Korea.

Full Results: https://bwfthomasubercups.bwfbadminton.com

📸 Badmintonphoto (Jnanesh Salian and Tan En En)

Watch all the action live via BWF TV: https://youtube.com/@bwftv?si=OJvcjnQg60gnAzhh

#Green2Gold2Great #TUC24 #TotalEnergiesBadminton #ThomasUberCupFinals #Chengdu2024 #ThomasCup #UberCup