Thailand's Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul Announced as New BWF Deputy President as Japan's Kinji Zeniya Earns Seat on BWF Council

PRESS RELEASE

Thursday 23 May 2019

Nanning, China

Thailand’s Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul has been elected as BWF Deputy President following elections at today’s Badminton World Federation (BWF) Annual General Meeting in Nanning, China.

Leeswadtrakul secured a majority victory over Chinese Badminton Association President, Zhang Jun.

The 54-year-old Leeswadtrakul currently sits on the Executive Board of the BWF and is a member of the International Olympic Committee. She will preside in the role of BWF Deputy President for a two-year term from 2019-2021.

During her address, Leeswadtrakul spoke of increased diversity, reach and opportunity within the sport and championed the concepts of sport for all and outdoor badminton.

"I am very thankful for being elected BWF Deputy President. I am very humbled by this announcement and thank you to the membership for trusting me. I will do my best for the sport of badminton," Leeswadtrakul said.

Nippon Badminton Association Secretary General Kinji Zeniya won the election for the one vacant BWF Council member position ahead of Kay Kamatuwa Chirwa (Zambia), Moneoang Leshota (Lesotho) and Omar Bellali (Morocco).

Zeniya’s term is also for a two-year period from 2019-2021.

BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer said it was a significant day for the sport of badminton.

"We are very pleased to announce the successful candidates in our two elections held today. I have full trust they will carry out their duties with honour and distinction," he said.

"2018 was a busy year for everyone and a great number of amazing things were achieved both on and off the court.

"Moving forward, the BWF is committed to driving this cause and providing the necessary assistance to support the Continental Confederations and Member Associations in our collective efforts to grow the game globally."

The Federation received two nominations for Deputy President and eight nominations for the one vacant BWF Council member position ahead of the February deadline.

There were four withdrawals in the candidacy for the vacant BWF Council position. They were Evans Kojo Yeboah (Ghana), Himanta Biswa Sarma (India), Jose Gabriel del Busto Fernandez (Guatemala) and Richard Vaughan (Ireland).

The elections took place at the 80th staging of the BWF Annual General Meeting in Nanning, China – host of the TOTAL BWF Sudirman Cup 2019.

The Federation took the occasion to further promote the new concept of AirBadminton with a presentation and exhibition for the BWF Council and wider BWF Membership.

AirBadminton is BWF’s ambitious new development project designed to inspire more people to play more badminton in more places.

ENDS

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ABOUT BWF

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is the international governing body of the sport of badminton, recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). It was originally the International Badminton Federation (IBF) which was founded on 5 July, 1934, before being rechristened the Badminton World Federation in 2006.

The purpose and objectives of BWF include regulating, promoting, developing and popularising the sport of badminton throughout the world and organising, conducting and presenting international events at the highest level.

The BWF’s vision is to make badminton a leading global sport accessible to all – giving every child a chance to play for life. Its mission is to lead and inspire all stakeholders; to deliver entertainment through exciting events to drive fan experience; and to create innovative, impactful and sustainable development initiatives.

BWF has its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with 189 Member Associations worldwide.

Poul-Erik Høyer is the BWF President and Thomas Lund is the BWF Secretary General.

Websites: www.bwfbadminton.com and www.bwfcorporate.com.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bwfbadminton

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