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VICTOR Oceania Mixed Team Championships 2025 Team Selection

Badminton Australia is pleased to announce the official selection of athletes who will represent the nation at the VICTOR Oceania Mixed Team Championships 2025.
The nine-member team will travel to Auckland, New Zealand in February to compete against other countries from across the Oceania region.
The team has been selected in accordance with Badminton Australia’s Athlete Selection Policy.
Women (5):
Tiffany Ho (NBC – NSW)
Angela Yu (Sunnybank Hills Badminton Club – QLD)
Gronya Somerville (BadFit – VIC)
Kaitlyn Ea (Infinity – VIC)
Bernice Teoh (An-Yu – WA)
Men (4):
Huaidong Tang (NBC – NSW)
Frederick Zhao (PBA – VIC)
Jack Yu (Sunnybank Hills Badminton Club – QLD)
Ricky Tang (DASH – NSW)
Badminton Australia CEO Tjitte Weistra congratulated all selected players.
“Each athlete’s selection for the VICTOR Oceania Mixed Team Championships reflects their dedication to performing at their best, not just for themselves, but for Australia,” Weistra said.
“We are incredibly proud of the players and are excited to see them compete next year against the top teams from across the Oceania region.”
The winning country at the VICTOR Oceania Mixed Team Championships will then secure a spot in the TotalEnergies BWF Sudirman Cup Finals 2025 in Xiamen, China.
Key Dates/Info

Badminton Australia welcomes Steven Sam to the Board

Steven is a well respected leader focused on developing clear strategic direction, governance, commercial acumen and instilling a fully inclusive, trusting and supportive team culture.
He is currently the Electrical Engineering Practice Leader (NSW & ACT) and a Technical Director at Aurecon with over 20 years experience leading teams of multi-discipline building services engineers across a range of major projects.
Steven has also held executive leadership roles in other engineering firms, most notably as the Head of Engineering for Scentre Group responsible for the design, development, delivery and operational support of Westfield Shopping Centre’s 41 assets across Australia and New Zealand.
Steven’s passion for badminton started over 30 years ago as a keen junior player in NZ and is still actively participating in all levels of competitions including veterans.
Badminton is a family affair as both his wife and children actively participate in the sport.
Steven has a strong desire to support the continual growth of badminton in our community promoting a fun, inclusive culture that upholds the highest levels of integrity.

Statement on Badminton’s exclusion from 2026 Commonwealth Games

Badminton Australia is beyond disappointed to learn that badminton won’t be included in the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Although we always knew that difficult decisions needed to be made given the heavily reduced program, we always hoped that one of the most popular, inclusive and accessible participation sports in the world, would be included in Glasgow 2026.

CEO Tjitte Weistra: “This is a bitter pill to swallow for our athletes who had already shifted their focus towards 2026 after Paris and we will now instead need to find a way to continue to support our athletes while we regroup and start our campaign towards LA 2028. We wish those sports and athletes that will be in Glasgow 2026 the very best and we look forward to coming back stronger as a sport at future Commonwealth Games.”

Juniors set for big week on court at the YONEX U13/U17 Australian National Team and Individual Championships

Junior badminton stars from across Australia are heading to Ballarat in regional Victoria for the YONEX U13/U17 Australian National Team and Individual Championships 2024.
Held at the Ken Kay Badminton Stadium from September 26 – October 2, the first three days of the tournament will see states and territories compete within the Teams event for June Bevan (U17) and Pat Daw OAM (U13) Trophies, followed by the Individual event from Sunday September 29.
“It’s going to be another fantastic week in regional Victoria for the 2024 edition of the YONEX U13/U17 Australian National Team and Individual Championships,” Badminton Australia Chief Executive Officer Tjitte (TJ) Weistra said.
“What is going to make the week even more special is having the U13 Teams competing for the inaugural Pat Daw OAM Trophy, named after Pat Daw, who has been integral to the overall success of the U13 age group in Australia.
“In addition, U13 players will also be in contention to be awarded the inaugural Rhonda Cator Sportsperson Trophy, in recognition of Ballarat Badminton Association stalwart Rhonda Cator who has been involved with our sport for decades as a player, coach and manager.”
The Trophy is presented at the end of the U13 Team and Individual competition to the player who exhibits overall leadership, fairness, teamwork and respect.
Within the U17s, players will be in the running to receive the Val Nesbitt Sportsperson Trophy.
In addition to watching some of Australia’s best junior badminton stars in action, Badminton Australia encourages all players and attendees to explore the great sites across the City of Ballarat.
“The greatest part of holding events in Ballarat is there are so many fantastic tourism and hospitality venues to visit in between matches,” TJ said.
“Whether it is soaking up the natural beauty of Lake Wendouree, enjoying one of the many hospitality offerings or panning for gold at everyone’s favourite Sovereign Hill – I know you won’t be disappointed.”
Badminton Australia would like to extend its sincere thanks to our sponsors and partners YONEX, Victoria State Government, City of Ballarat, and to the Ballarat Badminton Association.
More Info: https://www.revolutionise.com.au/badminton/events/205277
Team Draw: https://ba.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/tournament.aspx?id=7ea6cd26-fce5-45fd-ac6a-b09ac8d06871
Individual Draw: https://ba.tournamentsoftware.com/tournament/BA261905-A25E-4FEE-BAE1-B5CA0C371825

Badminton Australia Chief Executive Officer Tjitte Weistra Statement on Mischa Ginns Withdrawal from Paris Paralympics 2024

Paralympics Australia has confirmed Australian Para Badminton athlete Mischa Ginns has been withdrawn from the Paris Paralympics 2024 due to illness.

Badminton Australia is disappointed for Mischa as she has put in years of dedication and hard work to qualify for these Paralympics. We are very grateful to the Australian Paralympic Team’s medical staff for their support they have provided Mischa during their time in Paris.

Badminton Australia is doing everything possible to support our team in Paris during this very difficult time as their health and wellbeing is our number one priority.

Helen Haydock appointed as new Badminton Australia/Table Tennis Australia National Integrity Manager

Badminton Australia (BA) and Table Tennis Australia (TTA) are pleased to announce the appointment of Helen Haydock as the National Integrity Manager for both organisations.
“BA takes integrity very seriously and we are excited to partner with TTA in the appointment of Helen in the National Integrity Manager role and we extend our sincere appreciation to the Australia Sports Commission (ASC) and Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) in supporting this appointment which will make a huge difference to the implementation of all SIA policies, procedures and education at all levels of our sport,” BA CEO Tjitte Weistra said.
“Helen’s background and experience will no doubt have a hugely positive impact and will ensure that both BA and TTA have the support we need to not only effectively manage all integrity related matters but also to ensure education opportunities are adequately provided and embedded into our organisations.”
Sport is an Australian way of life. It brings people together, transcending differences in language, ability, cultures, and beliefs, and provides physical, social, and economic benefits. Integrity is an essential part of this.
Integrity in sport means that athletes, support persons, and fans can participate and celebrate sport, confident in the knowledge that they are part of a safe, ethical, and inclusive environment.
TTA CEO Nicole Adamson was delighted to welcome Helen to the Australian table tennis community.
“Helen comes to TTA and BA as a proven performer, with the experience and expertise to ensure our sport is at the forefront of best practice in the areas of compliance programs, risk and integrity management,” Adamson said.
 “Her appointment will no doubt be of great benefit to table tennis and badminton, as both sports seek to ensure compliance with the National Integrity Framework.
“We look forward to welcoming her to the team, and wish to thank the ASC and SIA for their vital role in allowing us to make this appointment”.
Helen Haydock expressed her excitement for being appointed as the joint-National Integrity Manager for both BA and TTA.
“I am very grateful to BA and TTA for this opportunity to utilise my experience to assist in the roll out of the National Integrity Framework,” Haydock said.
 “Working with various state bodies, in addition to the badminton and table tennis communities, I look forward to helping create a safe, inclusive environment for all.”
Helen’s qualifications include a Masters in Forensic Psychology, paired with years of experience across a variety of roles that focused on addressing and preventing harm among vulnerable people.

Board Director Vacancy

Badminton Australia (BA) is calling for nominations for a casual Board Director position (until November 2025), due to a recent vacancy with one of its elected positions.

This vacancy provides BA with a great opportunity to align our Board directors to have representation that reflects the diversity of our badminton community and encourages people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds in sports governance to apply.

In addition, BA’s Board currently comprises 5 women and 1 man as directors, with BA keen to have an improved gender balance on the Board. Based on BA’s current Board skills matrix, we also encourage applications from those with knowledge and experience in skills in either legal, risk management and/or commercial strategy.

Directors will be required to attend Board meetings, held every two months, attend Board sub-committee meetings as required and review information between meetings for urgent matters. Meetings are primarily held online.

A successful candidate will be able to understand board processes, their duties as a director and the badminton landscape to ensure good strategic decisions can be made.

For more information, please read the Board-Member-Position-Description

Applications close 5pm on Friday 6th September 2024.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Julie McDonald, BA President on julie.mcdonald@badminton.org.au

Applications, including a cover letter and resume, are to be submitted via email to Tjitte Weistra, CEO, at tjitte.weistra@badminton.org.au

The Badminton Australia Nominations & Remuneration Committee will consider applications as they are received.

We want to hear from YOU: Strategic Plan 2025-2028+ Community Consultation Survey

We want to hear from you!
This is your chance to have a say as we develop the new Badminton Australia Strategic Plan 2025-2028+.
As part of our consultation process with the badminton community, we welcome constructive feedback from anyone who is passionate about our sport and would like to provide input into the future strategic direction for Badminton Australia.
Submit your feedback by completing the below survey and you will go into the draw to win four (4) General Admission Tickets to any two (2) days of your choice for the Sathio Group Australian Badminton Open 2025 to be held in Sydney from 18-23 November 2025 (Total of 8 tickets valued at max. $480).
Strategic Plan 2025-2028+ Survey: https://form.jotform.com/242267279687069
Submissions are open until Monday 30 September.
Before completing the survey, please look at Badminton Australia’s current Strategic Plan 2021-2024 (Below) for reference:

YONEX BWF World Junior Championships 2024 Team Selection Announcement

Congratulations to the Badminton Australia Junior Falcons who have been selected to represent the country at the YONEX BWF World Junior Championships in Nanchang, China from September 30 – October 13.

The team has been chosen in line with Badminton Australia’s Athlete Selection Policy.

Girls (5): Jazmine Lam (PBA – VIC), Sydney Tjonadi (Roketto – NSW), Isabella Yan (NBC – NSW), Victoria Tjonadi (Roketto – NSW) and Bethany Li (PBA – VIC).

Boys (4): Shrey Dhand (Play Badminton – VIC), Jayden Lim (PBA – VIC), Landon Kurniawan (Maxima – NSW) and Emmanuel Stephen Sam (Sams Badminton – QLD).

Coaches/Managers: Vountus Indra (BA National Assistant Head Coach & BV Head Coach) and Panuga Riou (Senior Coach at NBC – NSW)

Badminton Australia Chief Executive Officer Tjitte Weistra congratulated all the athletes on their selection.

“All of the athletes should be very proud of their selection as it’s a true honour to represent Australia and compete on the highest international stage being the BWF Junior World Championships,” he said.

“Being selected to compete for your country at the World Junior Championships isn’t an accomplishment that can be achieved overnight and takes years of hard work and dedication on and off the court; therefore, I’d also like to thank all the parents, coaches, clubs, and states and territories who have been a part of the journey and assisted with the athletes’ development.”

Badminton Australia National Performance Manager Brent Miller said the YONEX BWF World Junior Championships presented the perfect opportunity for the athletes to test themselves at an international tournament.

“Competing at the World Junior Championships will give our athletes the ideal environment to develop and refine their existing skills against fellow juniors from across the globe,” he said.

“The experience will enhance their ability on court and allow them to stay focused on achieving their long-term goals as players.

“Good luck and we can’t wait to see you all on court in Nanchang.”

Countries compete in a Team Championship for the Suhandinata Cup from September 30 – October 5, before the players take part in the Junior Championships for the Eye Level Cups from October 7 – 13.

More Information: https://corporate.bwfbadminton.com/events/world-junior-championships/

Balancing badminton and nursing on the journey to becoming an Olympian

Written by Daniel Lane (via Australian Olympic Team)

The competitiveness that epitomises Australian Olympic Team member Tiffany Ho’s approach to badminton is a stark contrast to the tender touch and empathy she displays in the wards at one of Sydney’s busiest hospitals.

The 26-year-old, whose dream to compete at the Olympics was ignited when she was a 10-year-old who watched the 2008 Beijing Games opening ceremony on television, also realised at around about that same time nursing was her vocation.

“Most of my family works in the health sector,” said Ho, who was defeated last night during her final match of the Paris 2024 Olympics 21-6, 21-3 against Vietnam’s Thuy Linh Nguyen at the Port de La Chappele.

“My mother, Ethol Ho, who passed away when I was 11, was a nurse and I heard all the stories from my relatives about how caring she was, and that inspired me,” said Ho.

“I liked helping people from a young age – especially the elderly – so nursing was my calling. I just couldn’t see myself doing anything else.”

Ho, who works at Concord Repatriation General Hospital in Sydney, said even the most adrenaline-charged of matches don’t match the day-to-day demands of her job.

“At work I’m dealing with people’s lives, whereas in sport it’s pressure, but it’s all on myself,” she said. “Any pressure in badminton comes from within, but in nursing there’s a constant pressure because you’re in charge of the patients’ health.

“When you work in hospital things don’t always pan out the way you want them to. There are days where things can go wrong, and when that happens it’s about staying calm and thinking logically through what is often high-pressure.”

The Olympian said despite the stresses that form a nurse’s lot, she finds it rewarding to help people in what may be the toughest times of their lives.

“Seeing them get the help they need makes me happy,” said Ho.

Ho, who won her first tournament when she was nine and found she loved the thrill of victory, is ecstatic to be in the Olympic city.

“Paris is a dream fulfilled,” she said. “The Olympics has been the dream ever since I was a little girl, and having that dream become a reality is quite wild. There’s time when I still can’t believe it . . .

“I’m just super excited, and feel grateful to everyone who has put in so much time and effort for me to be here.

Ho, who is ranked as the world’s 80th best female player, prides herself on fighting until the end. That, she laughs, is the legacy of having three brothers teach her from a young age about competitiveness.

“I love to work hard in a match, I’ll always grind it out,” she said. “I have a very strong mental game, and if I find myself in a situation where I’m down a lot of points I don’t give up . . . I have a ‘never give up’ attitude and I’ll keep grinding and grinding. I want to feel exhausted after a game or after a training session because I want to feel as though I’ve done everything I can.”