Abled and Para-Badminton World Championships 2019 to be held jointly at Basel

Badminton World Federation has declared that the 2019 Para-badminton World Championships will be held in Basel, Switzerland, jointly with the able-bodies Worlds for the first time.

The BWF Council made the signifivant decision and approved the bid by Swiss Badminton, who were in combat to hold the BWF Para-Badminton World Championships 2019, parallely as the TOTAL BWF World Championships 2019.

BWF President Poul-Erik Hoyer, said “This is a momentous occasion for BWF and Swiss Badminton and indeed for the development of our sport and our athletes; bringing able-bodied athletes and athletes with impairments together to showcase their talents under the same roof with their World Championships being held at the same time.”

With the seating capacity of 9,000, St. Jakobshalle will stage the dual events. “The spectacle of two World Championships being jointly staged, will propel this philosophy to a unique level,” added Hoyer.

“It will be something special and amazing to see and we must congratulate Swiss Badminton on their innovative and ambitious thinking. They have convinced us – the BWF Council – that they can deliver these tournaments, to world-class standards together, and we look forward to this historic occasion,” he said, “It will surely raise the bar for hosting premier sporting events.”

Swiss Badminton President Robbert de Kock, feels proud that Basel has been awarded both the BWF Para Badminton World Championships 2019 and the TOTAL BWF World Championships 2019. He said, “It will be the first time in the history of sport that two World Championships will be organised at the same time and at the same venue. This new mega-event will send a clear message to the world.

“I am looking forward to presenting Para badminton to a whole new audience. Swiss Badminton, the organising committee and Basel are ready,” he added.