In preparation for the Africa AirBadminton Championships starting tomorrow, November 14, 2024, at Mont Choisy Beach in Mauritius, the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA) organized a training workshop for umpires today, November 13. This workshop aims to help officials understand the unique rules and guidelines of AirBadminton, which is an outdoor version of badminton. With officials trained and ready, the BCA is ensuring the tournament will run smoothly and fairly.
The training was led by three experts: Mr. Sahir Edoo from the Badminton World Federation (BWF), Mr. Faadil Sayed from the BCA, and the tournament referee, Mr. Sibi Chandrabhanu from the United Arab Emirates. Each of these experts brought valuable knowledge, especially about the specific rules and adjustments required for AirBadminton’s outdoor setting. AirBadminton is still new to many, so this workshop helped ensure all officials are on the same page and are well-prepared to oversee the matches professionally.
Since AirBadminton is played outdoors, there are unique challenges that don’t exist in traditional badminton. Elements like wind and sun can affect the shuttle and the way the game is played. This means the officials need to understand these factors to make fair calls.
In an interview with BCA TV, Mr. Sibi Chandrabhanu highlighted why this training was so important: “AirBadminton being the new outdoor game has many guidelines and also regulations that both players and Technical officials have to follow. That is why it is extremely important to organize such a workshop to familiarize those guidelines to the Technical officials.” His message emphasizes that having well-prepared officials helps both players and the overall fairness of the game.
With the tournament kicking off tomorrow morning at 8 a.m., the officials are now ready to manage both the morning and afternoon matches on the scenic Mont Choisy Beach. This location adds an exciting and beautiful backdrop for the tournament, making it special for players and fans alike. The BCA has worked hard to organize this event in Mauritius, showing their dedication to growing AirBadminton in Africa.
Today’s workshop is not just about understanding rules; it also builds the officials’ confidence and ensures that every match will be fair and consistent. As fans gather at Mont Choisy Beach to watch some of Africa’s best AirBadminton players, they can trust that each match will be officiated by trained professionals who are dedicated to making this a great event.
Overall, this BCA Umpire Training Workshop was a vital part of setting up the Africa AirBadminton Championships for success. With the guidance of Mr. Edoo, Mr. Sayed, and Mr. Chandrabhanu, the officials now feel ready to uphold the standards of this unique outdoor sport and ensure a smooth, exciting tournament for everyone in Mauritius.
Make sure to follow us live on our Facebook Page and YouTube Channel for exciting matches. This will be brough to you exclusively by BCA TV.
