The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is delighted to announce Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates as host of the inaugural BWF AirBadminton World Cup 2025.
Under the gracious patronage of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council of the UAE Badminton Federation, in collaboration with the Sharjah Sports Council (SSC), the BWF AirBadminton World Cup 2025 will be held from 11–14 December 2025.
The World Cup ushers in a new era for the outdoor game, AirBadminton – which was first launched by BWF in May 2019, along with the outdoor shuttlecock, the AirShuttle.
Scenes from BWF AirBadminton Pan Am Continental Championships 2025.
The Sharjah showpiece is among several new BWF initiatives in the development of a fully-fledged AirBadminton circuit.
A bespoke, pop-up AirBadminton arena will be installed at a yet-to-be-confirmed venue in Sharjah. A total of 72 athletes representing 12 teams will compete in the World Cup.
- Asia: 3 Teams
- Europe: 3 Teams
- Africa: 2 Teams
- Pan Am: 2 Teams
- Oceania: 1 Team
- Host: 1 Team
The following events will be played: team relay, women’s triples and men’s triples. Four Continental Championships will serve as qualifying events:
- BWF AirBadminton Pan Am Continental Championships 2025 (12–13 April)
- Lima, Peru
- BWF AirBadminton Africa Continental Championships 2025 (3–6 July)
- Accra, Ghana
- BWF AirBadminton Asia Pacific Continental Championships 2025 (8–10 August)
- Port Dickson, Malaysia
- BWF AirBadminton European Continental Championships 2025 (5–7 September)
- Baku, Azerbaijan
The highest-ranked teams from the team relay at each Continental Championships will qualify for the World Cup. Women’s and men’s triples teams will be composed of players from already qualified teams from the team relay event. Venezuela and Brazil were the first team to qualify in April. Read more.
BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul welcomed the announcement of Sharjah as the host city for the inaugural BWF AirBadminton World Cup, calling it a significant milestone for the sport.
“Securing a host for our first-ever World Cup marks a key milestone in establishing a complete international AirBadminton tournament calendar for 2025, which has been a core strategic goal for the BWF. This tournament offers an excellent platform to showcase AirBadminton and its capacity to grow as a global sport,” said Leeswadtrakul.
“AirBadminton, as the new growth discipline of BWF, has immense potential and provides a unique opportunity for the global badminton community to expand its reach.
“By creating a dedicated AirBadminton circuit, we’re enabling more Member Associations, teams, and athletes, especially those beyond the traditional badminton powerhouse nations, to take part in BWF-sanctioned competitions. This strengthens the elite competitive landscape and fosters greater inclusivity.
“Our vision for flagship AirBadminton events like the World Cup in Sharjah is to blend high-level competition with a vibrant festival atmosphere and evening entertainment, helping us reach new audiences and expand the global badminton community.
“With Sharjah’s proven success in hosting international beach sports events, we are confident that the Sharjah Sports Council will deliver a world-class debut for our inaugural World Cup and create a meaningful legacy.”
His Excellency Issa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council, added: “We extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi for his patronage and unwavering support of sports and athletes.
“Hosting this World Cup will elevate Sharjah’s international reputation, built on its success in organising numerous local and international events.
“The Sharjah Sports Council, through the organising committee, is fully committed to ensuring the event’s success and establishing a strong local foundation for the sport.
“This World Cup will provide great momentum to boost participation and long-term engagement in regional and international competitions.”
Click here for more information on the Qualification System and Rules of the BWF AirBadminton World Cup 2025.
Stadium atmosphere at an international AirBadminton tournament in Netherlands.
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