The year 2025 will always be remembered in Algerian badminton history. For the first time ever, Algeria qualified for the prestigious TotalEnergies BWF Sudirman Cup Finals, the World Mixed Team Badminton Championships. This was a dream come true for both the players and the whole country, especially as they had never played in this world-level team competition before.
Algeria earned their spot in the Sudirman Cup after winning the All Africa Mixed Team Championships 2025, held in Douala, Cameroon earlier this year. This victory was not just another title; it was the first time in 45 years that Algeria won the African Mixed Team title. In previous editions, they had come close but fell short, reaching the final once and semifinals twice.
Photo Credit : Badminton Photo
But this year, the team showed great fortitude. In the semifinal, Algeria had a tough match against Egypt, a strong team in Africa. After a close battle, Algeria won 3-2. Then in the final, they played against Mauritius, another top team in Africa. Algeria showed their strength and won 3-1, securing the African Championship title and booking their place in the Sudirman Cup Finals 2025.
This win meant a lot to the players. As Koceila Mammeri, Algeria’s top doubles player, said to BCA TV:
“It’s history. We played in the Thomas Cup before, but this is our first Sudirman Cup. It’s great for the country and for badminton in Algeria. We hope it will inspire young boys and girls to start playing the sport.”
The team that made history included:
Men’s Singles: Adel Hamek, Mohamed Abderrahime Belarbi
Women’s Singles: Halla Bouksani, Yasmina Chibah
Men’s Doubles: Koceila Mammeri, Youcef Sabri Medel
Women’s Doubles: Yasmina Chibah & Linda Mazri
Mixed Doubles: Koceila Mammeri & Tanina Violette Mammeri
Photo Credit : Badminton Photo
As Linda Mazri, runner-up in African women’s doubles, said with emotion:
“It’s a dream. We had to win gold to qualify, and we did it. It was very hard, but we were strong. I’m so happy. My family is so proud.”
Sudirman Cup 2025 Begins – Day 1 in Xiamen
Algeria arrived in Xiamen, China with pride and excitement. This was their first time participating in a global mixed team event. But their opening match was always going to be tough, they had to face the host country, China, who have won the Sudirman Cup 13 times.
Even though Algeria lost 5-0, it was a valuable learning experience. Each player gave their best against world-class opponents.
Match Results – Day 1 vs China:
Mixed Doubles: Koceila & Tanina Violette Mammeri lost to Jiang Zhen Bang/Wei Ya Xin (21-11, 21-13)
Women’s Singles: Halla Bouksani lost to Wang Zhi Yi (21-5, 21-3)
Men’s Singles: Adel Hamek lost to World No.1 Shi Yu Qi (21-12, 21-9)
Women’s Doubles: Chibah/Mazri lost to Chen Qing Chen/Jia Yi Fan (21-7, 21-8)
Men’s Doubles: Belarbi/Mammeri lost to Chen Bo Yang/Liu Yi (21-7, 21-8)
After the match, Koceila and Tanina Mammeri told BCA TV:
Photo Credit : Badminton Photo
“It was amazing to play against the best. Even though we lost, we are learning. It’s a big chance for us and for African badminton.”
Day 2 – Algeria Facing Thailand
On Day 2, Algeria faced another strong team, Thailand. Once again, the players put in their best effort, but Thailand won 5-0.
Match Results – Day 2 vs Thailand:
Women’s Singles: Halla Bouksani lost to Supanida Katethong (21-5, 21-6)
Men’s Singles: Adel Hamek lost to Panitchaphon Teeraratsakul (21-10, 21-11)
Women’s Doubles: Chibah/Mazri lost to Laksika Kanlaha/Phataimas Muenwong (21-4, 21-6)
Men’s Doubles: Belarbi/Hamek lost to Kedren/Puavaranukroh (21-3, 21-7)
Mixed Doubles: Koceila & Tanina Mammeri lost to Ruttanapak Oupthong/Jhenicha Sudjaipraparat (21-18, 21-13)
Still, the Algerian team remained positive. Belarbi said:
Photo Credit : Badminton Photo
“These are not normal games; we are playing against the world’s best. Every point is a lesson. We are learning and improving.”
Day 3 – Against Hong Kong China
Algeria’s final group match was against Hong Kong China, another powerful badminton nation. Once again, the score was 5-0, but the experience gained was priceless.
The players enjoyed competing and were proud to represent Algeria and Africa at such a high level. Each match helped them grow in confidence and understanding of top-level play.
Even though Algeria didn’t win any ties in Xiamen, they won something more important, experience, pride, and inspiration. They have shown Africa that it is possible to compete on the world stage.
Photo Credit : Badminton Photo
As Adel Hamek said:
“It’s a dream to play against legends like Shi Yu Qi. This event is different from the Thomas Cup. Here we play together with our women players. It’s a full team. It feels like family.”
Team Algeria is now looking forward to the future with more motivation. They want to train harder and come back stronger. Their journey has already inspired many young players in Algeria and across Africa.
Let us all support this amazing team as they continue to rise! Stay Tune to BCA TV for more updates.
