November 11, 2022
The AirBadminton test events continued in September with a stop in Utrecht, Netherlands, to delight crowds and athletes.
In collaboration with Badminton Nederland, BWF staged a two-day event, 45 kilometres south of Amsterdam, featuring more than 60 players from Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland.
The Betcity Arena became a bedrock of the innovative new outdoor game of badminton, a world away from its medieval centre and tree-lined canals, and is the second time AirBadminton has been brought to a Dutch crowd. Spectators were also treated to an impressive music and light show during the competition, in addition to a DJ.
Day 1 opened with the Mixed Team Relay, consisting of five matches: Women’s Doubles, Men’s Doubles, Mixed Doubles, Triples 1 (one female and two males), and Triples 2 (two females and one male). The first team to reach 80 points would be winners.
France and home team, Netherlands, squared off in the final in fast conditions, with little wind. The home favourites won 80-55 in a thrilling final. Individual events took place on the final day (Mixed Doubles, Women’s Triples, and Men’s Triples), where matches were played to the best of five games, and the first to 11 points. Dutch siblings Imke Van der Aar/Wessel Van der Aar emerged victorious, winning the Mixed Doubles event by ousting Germany’s Jonas Scgekker/Annalena Diks 3-0 in the final.
“Playing AirBadminton in this stadium felt next level,” exclaimed Imke Van der Aar – winner of three gold medals in Utrecht.
“The atmosphere for the two days was amazing. Sunny vibes during the day, and in the evening too. The finals had a great set-up with the spotlights, music and live commentary to get the crowd going. The golden confetti at the end to celebrate the golden triple was definitely the cherry on top of a brilliant day.”
“Playing AirBadminton in this stadium felt next level.” — Imke Van der Aar
The Women’s Triples event was won by the Dutch team, who beat France in an exciting final 3-2. Finally, Team Germany defeated France in the Men’s Triples final. AirBadminton looks to build on its rising popularity as the sport makes its debut at the ANOC World Beach Games 2023, in Bali. AirBadminton competitions will continue in 2023 with continental qualification events for Bali 2023.
