198 countries with 3 new federations including that of Senegal took part in the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Badminton World Confederation (BWF), held on April 28, in Thailand. And the National Badminton Federation, through its president Antoine Diandy known as “Tony”, was among the four panellists selected on this occasion. A historical fact that rewards the enormous prowess achieved by Senegalese badminton in less than three years of existence.
Can you come back to the highlights of the recent meetings of the world badminton body?
This World AGM held face-to-face, as the previous ones had been done virtually, due to covid-19, made it possible to present 3 new National Federations to the world badminton family, including Senegal. It so happens that Senegal, through my humble person, was selected among the 4 panelist nations during this work. This is due to the good exchanges and practices executed by Senegal during difficult times, caused by covid-19. And among these 4 nations chosen and apart from Senegal, there was an Australian, a Chinese who took part in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, finally disputed in 2021 due to covid-19. The Senegalese case has been emulated in Thailand.
What was discussed during these exchanges of panelists?
In 2 years of existence, which mainly coincided with covid-19, Senegal has been able to stand up and properly roll out various training and development programs. All this was to be shared in my capacity as a panelist during these world meetings, in Thailand. During the covid period, Senegal managed to obtain 11 tutors, 121 teachers, 5 referees and 10 technical officials between the CNP set up in December 2019 and became a Federation on February 12. All this had to be demonstrated and the keys to success shared. Precisely, these keys to success stem mainly from the commitment of our Federation and the quality of its human resources, without forgetting the objectives that we have in common to have a better Federation.
Is it just as key to success as to make you a panelist?
The fact, also, of democratizing the practice of the discipline, through a commercial concept articulated around 3 points: the market represents the young Senegalese populations, the service is all the communication platforms and the programs of the WBF, through the Shuttle Time. There is also the fact that tutors and teachers are our ambassadors in schools for better communication of the discipline. A job well done is also found in these keys to success, not to mention the contribution of our strategic partners, the Ministry of Sports, CNOSS, African Badminton Confederation, the BWF and the Francophone Badminton Association.
Have you landed partners in Thailand?
Yes, because on the sidelines of this GA of the world body, we were able to secure a partnership with the French Badminton Federation. It is a partnership of assistance and technical supervision of coaches from here and elsewhere. It also happens that we had repercussions from this World General Assembly in Thailand, through support for the development of the discipline, especially with the interest shown in Senegal towards the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar in 2026. This in the short, medium and long term in the support intended for Senegal.
When is the next badminton activity in Senegal?
Very soon, because our activities are carried out on a permanent basis between the life of the Federation and the competitions, training and others, without forgetting the massification programs of the discipline across the country. We are constantly on the service front. But for your information, know that we will celebrate International Badminton Day on July 5th. During this event, 30 journalists are targeted in a one reporter-one racket training format. Some journalists will be honored, including one posthumously. This is the late Oumar Diarra.
