The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is deeply saddened by the passing of its former President and Honorary Life Vice President, Sir Craig Reedie, at the age of 84.
Reedie was also an Honorary Member and former Vice President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and a towering figure in global sport administration.
His distinguished leadership roles included President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Chair of the British Olympic Association, Vice President of the European Badminton Union and President of the Scottish Badminton Union. Across these positions, he made profound and lasting contributions to sport worldwide.
Reedie with BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul and former BWF President Poul Erik Høyer.
BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul paid tribute to Reedie’s pivotal role in badminton’s history.
“Sir Craig was the man who opened the Olympic door for badminton. As IBF (International Badminton Federation, now BWF) President, he fought for our sport to be included in the Olympic programme, and that dream became a reality at Barcelona 1992. Every badminton player who has walked into an Olympic arena owes something to Sir Craig Reedie. He was also a devoted friend to badminton long after his presidency, always ready to advise, to help, and to speak up for our sport in the corridors of the IOC,” she said.
Reedie’s passing has left a deep emotional impact on the BWF, where he served with both vision and heartfelt dedication. Reflecting the sentiments of the global badminton family, Leeswadtrakul added: “Some words will never be enough. Sir Craig gave badminton a voice in the Olympic world. That voice is now silent, but what he built will speak forever. Rest in peace, dear Sir Craig. We will carry your legacy with love and gratitude.”
Leeswadtrakul’s predecessor as BWF President, Poul-Erik Høyer, fondly recalled his relationship with the legendary administrator: “Sir Craig was a true guiding star and a person I respected deeply. His wit and charm were ever present, and his leadership left a lasting impression on all who knew him. The word that comes to mind for me is thankfulness. I am thankful for our longstanding friendship; thankful for the strong commitment Sir Craig showed to badminton; and last but not least, thankful for his instrumental role in bringing badminton into the Olympic programme and making it possible for me to win my Olympic gold medal in 1996.”
Before his administrative career, Reedie represented Scotland and Great Britain as an international badminton player. He later joined the Scottish Badminton Union (now Badminton Scotland), where he successfully staged the World Invitation tournaments in Glasgow from 1960 to 1976, significantly raising the sport’s profile.
He went on to serve the European Badminton Union (now Badminton Europe) and the IBF. In 1981, at the age of 40, he became the youngest IBF President in history. A visionary leader, he guided the Federation through a critical period, helping to avert an internal split and securing badminton’s inclusion as an Olympic sport, a decision confirmed by the IOC in 1985.
Reedie with Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms at the IBF World Championships 2006.
He personally advocated badminton’s Olympic case to IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch, inviting him to attend the 1983 IBF World Championships final. Samaranch’s support proved decisive, culminating in badminton’s Olympic debut at Barcelona 1992.
Reedie’s business acumen also modernised the sport, ushering in the professional era by allowing players to retain prize money and introducing the World Grand Prix circuit – the forerunner of today’s BWF World Tour.
After becoming an IOC Member in 1994, he continued to serve the Olympic Movement with distinction. From 2005 to 2012, he was a Director of the London 2012 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Tributes poured in from global sport leaders.
IOC President Kirsty Coventry said: “Sir Craig dedicated his whole life to the service of sport and the Olympic Movement. He was a steadfast guardian of integrity, guiding the global sporting community through some of its most challenging moments with dignity and resolve. His contribution to the Olympic Games, to clean sport and to the development of athletes worldwide will endure for generations to come.”
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe, who worked closely with Reedie on London 2012, added: “Craig was my mentor, wise counsel, passionate advisor and great friend. He was the distinguished elder statesman with a reservoir of Olympic knowledge and experience which he shared willingly and to great effect. Craig’s role in securing the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games was immeasurable.”
Sir Craig Reedie’s legacy lives on in the Olympic journey of badminton and in the integrity, professionalism and opportunity he helped embed across global sport.
BWF Newsletter
