BWF Presidential race gets exciting as Larsen throws hat into the ring

Former Olympic champion Poul-Erik Hoyer Larsen of Denmark has announced his decision to enter the race for the post of President of Badminton World Federation.

File Photo: Poul-Erik Hoyer-Larsen of Denmark.

Larsen, who won the Gold in the men’s singles in Atlanta 1996, is currently the President of Badminton Europe and serves on the National Olympic Committee of Denmark. Larsen’s announcement will make the Presidential race exciting, as the Badminton Association of Malaysia’s president Nadzmi Mohd Salleh too had decided to contest for the post. Salleh is likely to have the backing of the Chinese, as China’s head coach Li Yongbo had recently stated that he would be a good choice for the post of BWF President. The outgoing President, Kang Young Joong of Korea, had earlier announced he wouldn’t be contesting another term.

In a statement, Larsen said: “I want to lead the BWF in the same spirit as today and ensure an open dialogue with key stakeholders. I represent unity in the badminton world as I believe that we need strong cooperation to compete against other sports. Our prime target must be to ensure badminton’s status as an Olympic sport and with my profile I believe I can contribute to badminton’s Olympic aspirations.”

Although a keen contest is expected, Larsen sounded confident about his chances: “I would not seek election if I was not convinced of my ability to lead the BWF and if I had not received so strong encouragement to stand. My background as Continental President and my excellent relationship with my colleagues and our Member Associations gives me confidence for a successful campaign.”

The BWF AGM will take place on Saturday, 18 May in Kuala Lumpur, during the Sudirman Cup championships.

Nadzmi has served as BAM President for ten years. He had announced his interest earlier this month in becoming BWF President. “This is my last term as BAM President,” he told the press. “The executive council urged me to go for it. A few BWF members have also approached me. After assessing all these, today I’ve decided to go for it with the full backing of the exco.”

Earlier this month, China’s powerful chief coach Li Yongbo had extended his support to Nadzmi’s candidature. “Nadzmi is a good choice,” Yongbo was quoted as saying by The Star newspaper. “He has the clout and credentials to increase the popularity of the sport to a wider base. I believe he can also improve the hectic schedule in world badminton. He has been in the badminton circle for many years and is supportive of the game. Our sport has the potential to be popular beyond the Asian and European region and we need to aggressively promote it.”