The global badminton landscape is set for a significant expansion with the announcement that Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, will host the inaugural Badminton World Federation (BWF) AirBadminton World Cup from December 11-14, 2025. This historic event marks a pivotal moment for AirBadminton, the outdoor version of the sport launched by BWF in May 2019.
Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council of the UAE Badminton Federation, and in close collaboration with the Sharjah Sports Council (SSC), the World Cup promises to usher in a new era for outdoor badminton.
A bespoke, pop-up AirBadminton arena will be constructed in Sharjah, with the specific venue to be confirmed, setting the stage for 72 elite athletes representing 12 teams from across the globe. The continental breakdown for participation includes three teams each from Asia and Europe, two from Africa and Pan America, one from Oceania, and one host nation team.
The competition will feature thrilling team relay events, alongside women’s triples and men’s triples. Qualification for this prestigious World Cup is underway through four Continental Championships held throughout 2025:
- BWF AirBadminton Pan Am Continental Championships 2025: April 12-13, Lima, Peru (Venezuela and Brazil were the first teams to qualify).
- BWF AirBadminton Africa Continental Championships 2025: July 3-6, Accra, Ghana.
- BWF AirBadminton Asia Pacific Continental Championships 2025: August 8-10, Port Dickson, Malaysia.
- BWF AirBadminton European Continental Championships 2025: September 5-7, Baku, Azerbaijan.
The highest-ranked teams from the team relay event at each Continental Championship will secure their spot in the World Cup, with women’s and men’s triples teams formed from these already-qualified nations.
BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul hailed the announcement as a “significant milestone” for the sport. “Securing a host for our first-ever World Cup marks a key milestone in establishing a complete international AirBadminton tournament calendar for 2025, which has been a core strategic goal for the BWF,” said Leeswadtrakul. She emphasized AirBadminton’s immense potential as a growth discipline, offering a unique opportunity to expand the global badminton community, particularly enabling more Member Associations, teams, and athletes beyond traditional badminton powerhouses to participate in BWF-sanctioned competitions.
Leeswadtrakul further articulated the BWF’s vision for flagship AirBadminton events: “Our vision for flagship AirBadminton events like the World Cup in Sharjah is to blend high-level competition with a vibrant festival atmosphere and evening entertainment, helping us reach new audiences and expand the global badminton community.” She expressed confidence in Sharjah’s ability to deliver a world-class debut, citing the city’s proven success in hosting international beach sports events.
His Excellency Issa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council, extended his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi for his unwavering support. “Hosting this World Cup will elevate Sharjah’s international reputation, built on its success in organising numerous local and international events,” Al Hazami stated. He affirmed the Sharjah Sports Council’s full commitment to ensuring the event’s success and fostering a strong local foundation for AirBadminton, predicting that the World Cup will provide significant momentum to boost participation and long-term engagement in regional and international competitions.
The BWF AirBadminton World Cup 2025 is poised to be a groundbreaking event, showcasing the accessibility and excitement of outdoor badminton on a global stage and further solidifying its place in the sport’s future.
