More than 150 athletes, team officials, technical officials, event administrators and volunteers from 13 countries will converge in Hamilton later this month to take part in the Yonex Waikato International.
Eastlink Badminton Stadium on Old Farm Rd is the venue for the tournament, which runs from 28 March to 31 March, and is part of a Badminton World Federation International Series with local, national and international athletes competing for world ranking points, in preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games qualification period.
The event offers a great opportunity for local badminton players to compete in a higher-level tournament and compete against some of the best athletes in the world.
One of the drawcard athletes is 2013 World Championships Bronze Medallist Tien Minh Nguyen from Vietnam, who is the top seed in the Men’s Singles draw. Nguyen is known for his impressive speed and agility around the court, as well as his endurance – he holds one of the records for longest rallies in badminton competition.
Rototuna Senior High School student making her international debut is 15-year old Amreen Virk.
“I look forward to gaining plenty of experience and testing myself against some of the best athletes in the world,” she says.
A number of New Zealand players will be taking on players from all over the rest of the world in Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles events.
Event Director Marianne Loh says: “Waikato Badminton has a proud history of hosting local, national and international events so we look forward to welcoming a wide range of talented players from Oceania, Pan-America, Asia and Europe to compete at this international series event in Hamilton.”
The tournament is proudly supported by Hamilton City Council, through its annual Events Sponsorship fund.
Sean Murray, the Council’s General Manager Venues Tourism and Major Events at Hamilton City Council says: “Hamilton is proud to host another world-class sporting event, this time the Yonex Waikato International 2019. This will be a fantastic tournament for the athletes ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and I urge all fans of badminton and sport alike to come along to the events, see the action up close and support the local athletes.”
Badminton is a hugely popular sport in secondary school as it offers a safe, fun and inclusive environment with an active pathway for people of all ages, all abilities, and all backgrounds.
Tickets are available for the four-day event at a great value of $15 (free for children under 16), through Waikato Badminton and can also be purchased at the door.
The events will kick-off around 12pm on Thursday 28 March, continuing until finals from 10am on Sunday 31 March. Check the Waikato Badminton website or Facebook page for event information.