Outdoor badminton, introduced by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) in 2019, is a novel form of badminton suitable for outdoor play, catering to both genders and all age groups. In 2021, the China Badminton Association (CBA) launched a nationwide promotion, garnering attention and affection from badminton enthusiasts across the country.
In August 2022, following consultations between the CBA, BWF, and their partners, it was determined to establish permanent outdoor badminton facilities open to the public in seven cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou, initiating the collection of locations for the first batch of permanent outdoor badminton venues. With active responses from various cities and joint efforts to overcome challenges posed by the pandemic, the first venue was completed on January 4, 2023, successfully located at Hangzhou Binjiang Gymnasium.
The gymnasium’s outer area features two outdoor badminton courts situated near passageways, surrounded by greenery for a more comfortable badminton experience for Hangzhou’s citizens. Known as the ‘Little White Bowl,’ Hangzhou Binjiang Gymnasium is located by the Qiantang River and will serve as a venue for the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games. In September, all badminton events of the Games will commence here, gathering Asia’s badminton elite to present an exciting competition. Spectators from across China and Asia can enjoy the matches inside while experiencing the charm of outdoor badminton outside the venue.
To increase public awareness and access to outdoor badminton, meet the fitness needs of Hangzhou’s citizens, and promote the development of outdoor badminton and sports in general, the outdoor badminton courts at Binjiang Gymnasium are open to the public free of charge. Citizens can book the courts through the ‘Asian Games Venues Online’ platform on the Zhejiang government services app.
After the venue’s completion, the Hangzhou Sports Bureau and Hangzhou Badminton Association placed great emphasis on promoting the project, promptly organizing professional referees, retired athletes, and amateur enthusiasts to experience the project on-site, engage in discussions, and study the rules. The Binjiang District Gymnasium also provided strong support and active cooperation for on-site activities. Hangzhou Badminton Association Secretary-General Li Xiang stated that they would continue to carry out related outdoor experience activities, work with referees and athletes to study the changes in the new project, attract more participants, and share their organizational experience with fans worldwide through the CBA and BWF.
In 2023, the CBA will continue to cooperate with the BWF to bring more venues to cities across China, continuing to promote the development of outdoor badminton in the country with practical actions.
