PROJECT HISTORY

June 2013 to December 2017 – Design phase with 30 prototypes created with the close collaboration of Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Brief written for tender to identify research partner to assist in developing outdoor shuttlecock.

January 2018 to January 2019 – Testing phase at the University of Alicante in Spain where different elements of the game was tested: surfaces, game format, scoring system, net height, court dimensions and the physiological demand of the game. The performance of the outdoor shuttlecock was also tested both on hard and sand surfaces at the Universiti of Malaya. Various participants were used for testing including Olympians, national team players, students, club players and teenagers.

March 2019 – AirBadminton and AirShuttle names and logos selected.

May 2019 – AirBadminton project revealed and launched in Guangzhou in partnership with BWF’s Global Development Partner, HSBC. The new game was also presented to BWF’s Member Associations at the BWF Annual General Meeting in Nanning, China.

December 2019 – First HSBC BWF AirBadminton Community Project launched in Guangzhou.

2020

  • BWF introduced the AirShuttle to the global market.
  • AirBadminton Guidelines publish to support global implementation. Other resources published.

2021

  • AirBadminton development continued despite the challenges of the global pandemic, with a focus on online resources and virtual engagement
  • National associations began implementing AirBadminton programs at grassroots levels.
    AirShuttle distributed to more than 130 countries

2022

  • AirShuttle durability and visibility improved with the launch of the AirShuttle V2
  • Test events held in Germany and the Netherlands
    Promotional videos launched
  • Increased availability of AirShuttles globally, facilitating wider participation.
  • AirBadminton was included in the ANOC World Beach Games. This was a major milestone for the sport.

2023

  • AirBadminton was showcased at the ANOC World Beach Games Qualifiers in Asia, Africa, Pan Am and Europe, demonstrating its potential for competitive play on sand.
  • 38 countries participated in the ANOC World Beach Games Qualifiers
  • AirBadminton featured at the African Beach Games 2023 in Hammamet, Tunisia.
  • Events Manual shared with MAs on the organisation of competition AirBadminton tournaments.

2024

  • Continued expansion of AirBadminton programs in schools, universities, and communities worldwide.
  • BWF and FISU signed a MOU linking Healthy Campus and AirBadminton, to pilot AirBadminton in Universities.
  • 85 countries organised national AirBadminton tournaments.
    Development of standardized rules and regulations for AirBadminton competition.
  • Focus on promoting AirBadminton as a sustainable and inclusive sport.

2025

  • First ever AirBadminton World Cup held in the UAE
  • Non-traditional badminton countries like Brazil and UAE winning gold medals at the tournament.
  • Encouraging medal spread with 4 out of the 5 continents winning a medal
  • 4 continental championships held
  • Growing interest globally with over 100 countries running tournaments.