Of particular significance is their commitment to empowering girls and women within India’s sports ecosystem, and more specifically, their pioneering programme, Simply Periods, which aims to educate athletes and coaches about menstruation and its impact on female athletes’ performance.
This is a key focus area for BWF as we look to strengthen our inclusion and safeguarding policies within the sport.
The partnership will look at creating a female athlete health module certification for athletes and coaches, focusing on aspects of training and performance that are unique to the female athlete.
There will also be professional research into menstrual athlete health in global badminton with the help and guidance of an academic partner.
BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund said: “Badminton is a sport for all, and we are very proud of our inclusive programmes which aid our vision of giving every child a chance to play badminton for life.
“It is important that all participants, including coaches, are aware of such female health initiatives to provide safe and enjoyable environments for participation, whether at the elite or grassroots level.
“In Simply Sport, we have an ideal partner to help us in this journey and co-create the necessary support structures to further boost the growth of the game.”
Simply Sport Foundation founder Ankit Nagori added: “Simply Sport Foundation and BWF share common values, which strongly focus on providing high-quality sporting experiences and opportunities for all.
“Both parties also recognise and understand the power of sport and the positive impact sport can have on the lives of children and adults, especially among females.
“We truly look forward to this collaboration to expand the reach of our initiatives into the badminton world and beyond.”
In the last two years, the Simply Periods initiative has positively impacted 4,500 athletes and coaches.
BWF will commence the rollout of the female health modules in the coming months.
