The host nation UAE claimed a historic victory at the inaugural BWF AirBadminton World Cup 2025 in Sharjah, defeating China 60–54 in a tense 102-minute final to secure the Team Relay gold.
The home team held its nerve in the closing stages, sealing an emotional triumph in front of a packed stadium.
“We have no words. We didn’t expect this. We knew we were a strong team when we entered the tournament, and today just feels so surreal for me and the team,” said star player Dhiren Ayyappan.
Diving save from Ayyappan.
The final was a thriller. UAE’s women, who had failed to reach top form in the individual competition, thrived in the team environment to keep the squad in contention. When the men’s matches began, UAE proved stronger under pressure as China tightened up. The hosts closed out the match 60–54, sparking emotional celebrations.
UAE’s path to the title was anything but easy. In the quarterfinals, they stunned tournament favourites Hong Kong China with a bold strategy, starting with the women’s triples. That decision paid off as UAE took a surprise lead and then never looked back, holding a narrow margin to the end to win 60–56.
UAE shone under light in front of home fans.
In the semifinals, UAE delivered a commanding performance defeating Egypt 60–42. The team showed composure and confidence, proving its quarterfinal victory was no fluke.
“We would just like to thank the UAE Badminton Federation for giving us such a wonderful opportunity to perform and represent our country. Thank you to everyone for selecting us to be here today,” said Ayyappan.
China looked dominant earlier in the day, sweeping past Germany and then beating Brazil 60–52 in a competitive semifinal. Many expected them to take the title, but UAE had other plans.
Player of the series Chen Lu of China hitting the AirShuttle.
Team China and Team Brazil on the podium.
Team China captain Chen Lu said: “We are very happy to play here in the UAE and hopefully next year we can come back and win the team title.”
The combined podium saw seven nations from four continents medal: China (one gold, one silver), Brazil (one gold, one bronze), UAE (one gold, one bronze), Hong Kong China (one silver, one bronze), Egypt (two bronze), Bulgaria (one silver), and Indonesia (one bronze).
Brainchild of the AirBadminton concept, BWF Development Director Ian Wright, said: “I’m just so happy with the event. What a great finale to the four days.
“It’s a bit of a dream really having started developing the outdoor shuttle 12 years ago to finally making it to a global-level event and delivering it to such a high standard.
“I can only be so grateful to Sharjah Sports Council and the Local Organising Committee that have gone above and beyond these last four days.
“The results this week have highlighted the event’s success in creating opportunities for emerging badminton nations to compete with the powerhouse teams.”
There are big and bold plans for the BWF AirBadminton World Cup and its qualifying series to continue into 2026.
Team Egypt won double bronze during the week.
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