Type: National Events

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

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.

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.”

 

Q & A: The forces driving Setyana Mapasa and Angela Yu at the Paris Olympics

Written by Daniel Lane (via Australian Olympic Committee)

It’s as much the laughs as the answers when they’re asked questions about one another, that provide a great insight into the bond driving Angela Yu and Setyana Mapasa, the Australian Olympic women’s doubles badminton team.

Mapasa, 28, a Tokyo Olympian, came out of retirement to have a crack at qualifying for Paris, Yu, 21, earmarked Los Angeles as her moment to shine.

However, Yu’s plan changed following a phone call from national coach, Leanne Choo, who pinpointed the pair as being capable of providing Australia with an X-factor. After 12 months they’ve proved her right by:

  • Winning their first three tournaments together
  • Attaining the world No.26 ranking
  • Being ranked No.10 on the prestigious HSBC circuit
  • Winning the National title and Oceania crown
  • Gaining selection for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games

The pair showed plenty of Aussie spirit in their hard-fought loss to world No.3 ranked Japan in the opening match of their Paris Games campaign.

But when put on the spot to answer questions about one another, there were more giggles than words as the pair laughed like kookaburras at dawn.

Q & A:

Angela, what’s Setyana’s favourite song?

[Laughter] It’s . . . Sunny Day [laughs]

Setyana, what’s Angela’s top song?

[Giggles] Miss Independent.

When’s Setyana’s birthday?

[Laughs] August 25? [giggles when told it’s August 15].

When’s Angela’s birthday, Setyana?

One second [laughs as she grabs her mobile phone].

What’s Setyana’s favourite dish?

[Shrieks] The white thing from Malaysia . . .  rice cake!

Angela’s dish?

[Giggles] Steamed chicken.

Setyana’s favourite movie or TV show?

[Laughter] Cooking documentaries.

Angela’s?

KOREAN DRAMA!  [biggest burst of laughter yet].

“That’s very, very wrong!” shrieked Yu, at the ‘misinformation’, but her answer for the right genre was muffled by both of their laughter.

Yet, the hijinks don’t reflect the seriousness in which the pair compete.

In the 12 months since they were paired their ascent has been as rapid as it is stunning, their next challenge is against Korea at the Port de La Chapelle Arena.

Choo, a two-time Olympian who finished fifth in the doubles with her playing partner Renuga Veeran at the 2012 London Olympics, said the pair made compelling cases to be paired.

“Setyana made a comeback because while she’d retired after Tokyo, from talking to her it was obvious she still loved the sport,” said Choo.

“We couldn’t have someone of her quality not being included at the national level.

“Angela was playing with someone who wasn’t as complimentary – her style is very powerful; very consistent. Setyana is extremely creative on the court, and when I thought about it, I figured ‘this could be a dynamite combination’.

Her belief has been vindicated.

“It’s been reassuring to know it was a good decision,’” said Choo.

“We’re thrilled with how well they’ve done. It’s been a case of a lot of learning and growing. And there were some teething problems, but there are things you always need to work through.”

But they’re different. For instance, while Yu says she’s surprised by how fast they’ve gelled, Mapasa isn’t. If there’s something they do agree upon, it’s they’ll fight for one another.

“Something in our favour is we solve any problems,” said Yu. “We can get frustrated with one another, and that’s because the partnership is evolving. We’re learning things about ourselves– and that can be hard for the other person.

“But we work hard; support one another, play for each other. If things aren’t working, we help each other.”

That’s a view Mapasa endorsed.

“I can play my best because I know Angela will cover me,” she said. “I know she has my back, I have hers – always.”

Choo, said her main message to the pair as they prepare for their next match, is remember that they are the underdogs and to frame pressure differently in their minds.

“If you ask yourself where pressure come from, you’ll most likely say it’s from the expectations of others or outcomes,” she said.

“You can’t control what anyone expects from you or the outcome, only you can control what you expect of yourself. Only you hold that power. Control what you can control and that is always giving your 100 percent.”

Junior Falcons make the most of elite experience in Japan

Badminton Australia National Performance Manager Brent Miller with Aneesh Nirmal and Mimi Ngo.

Junior Falcons, Aneesh Nirmal (Chandler BC – QLD) and Mimi Ngo (An Yu – WA), recently visited Japan to compete at the U16 SHONAI Invitational 2024, in addition to attending a high-performance training camp at Futaba Future.

The tournament in Tsuruoka saw some of the best junior players from across Asia and Europe compete in world-class facilities against other athletes within the same age group.

Badminton Australia National Performance Manager Brent Miller said the experience provided the athletes with a unique development opportunity.

“Mimi and Aneesh have increased their overall confidence as players and have a greater understanding of what’s required to both train and compete internationally,” he said.

“The experience has given them fantastic inspiration and momentum to continue working towards their long-term badminton goals.”

U16 SHONAI Invitational Results: https://www.tournamentsoftware.com/tournament/3cc284f3-8f96-4d34-b5f5-0ab2ebf342e2/matches/20240630

Aneesh Nirmal and Mimi Ngo.

Following the U16 SHONAI Invitational 2024, Miller and the players remained in Japan to attend a training camp at Futaba Future, the home of Kento Momota and five of Japan’s Paris Olympics 2024 representatives Aya Ohori, Takuro Hoki, Yugo Kobayashi, Yuta Watanabe and Arisa Higashino.

“We were fortunate that both Hoki and Kobyashi visited the training facilities on numerous days and took the time to meet and play with our athletes, Miller said.

“What made the experience even more special was being part of an Olympic festival celebrating the five athletes from Fukushima who qualified for Paris.”

Aya Ohori, Takuro Hoki, Yugo Kobayashi, Yuta Watanabe and Arisa Higashino.

Both Aneesh and Mimi said the opportunity of playing against Japan’s top players helped with their overall confidence on the badminton court.

“The most memorable part of this trip was competing in the tournament against all the international athletes and then being able to play against world champions Aya Ohori and Arisa Higashino during the training camp,” Ngo said.

“The biggest learning lesson from this trip was seeing how good the international players are. It’s really given me an insight to what level I am at and aspects of my game that I need to improve.”

Aneesh was equally inspired by the international experience in Japan.
“I learned many valuable skills from this tournament, but the one that I believe is most important is to always keep my quality, no matter if I’m leading or losing,” Nirmal said.

“The training was very challenging and different to what I’m used to, but very helpful as I embraced the experience of sparring and training with the best juniors in Japan.”

Badminton Australia would like to thank Badminton Oceania, U16 SHONAI Invitational 2024 Tournament Director Junichi Kasuga, and Coach Saito and the team at Futaba Future for making it a fantastic experience.

Badminton Australia announces official trophy names for U13 Team Event and Sportsperson Award

Badminton Australia is honoured to announce the official trophy names for the U13 team event and U13 sportsperson award.
 
The team event trophy will be named the Pat Daw OAM Trophy, in recognition of Pat Daw OAM from Western Suburbs Badminton Association (WSBA) in Altona.
 
Pat, along with Ron Gray and Philip McNally initiated the U13 event at WSBA which was the only national event for the age group for 15 years before Badminton Australia introduced the official U13 National Championships in 2022.
 
Pat’s achievements include being awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2021 for services to badminton, Life Member at Badminton Victoria, Life Member at WSBA, WSBA President since 1989 and was a member of the Badminton Victoria Junior Committee for 10 years.
 
The U13 sportsperson award will be named the Rhonda Cator Sportsperson Trophy, in recognition of Rhonda Cator who has been involved with badminton for decades as a player, coach and manager. The trophy is presented at the end of the U13 team and individual event to the player who exhibits overall leadership, fairness, teamwork and respect.
 
Rhonda is a five-time Commonwealth Games Bronze Medallist, Commonwealth Games Australia Life Member, three-time Olympian (’92, ’96 & ’00) and is a multiple Australian National Champion in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
 
After her retirement as a professional player, Rhonda continued to stay involved with the sport as team manager for multiple Commonwealth and Olympic teams and is currently the manager of the Ballarat Badminton Stadium.
 
“A huge congratulations to both Pat and Rhonda for this well-deserved recognition and also a massive thank you for the many years of involvement in and service to badminton.” – Badminton Australia Chief Executive Officer Tjitte Weistra.
 
The next edition of the YONEX U13/U17 Australian National Team and Individual Championships will be held in Ballarat from September 26 – October 2.
 
More Info: https://www.revolutionise.com.au/badminton/events/205277
 
Photo Credit: Commonwealth Games Australia and Badminton Victoria

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).