Réunion welcomed 191 badminton players from 25 countries during the Saint-Denis Réunion Open organized at the Champ-Fleuri gymnasium from July 13 to 17. Some 1,500 shuttlecocks were exchanged on the occasion of this large-scale sporting event, implemented by the 974 Badminton League, supported for several years by the Department, in particular during previous editions of the International Tournament or TIB. Once again, the Departmental Community was present, with the other partners of the League, and contributed in its own way to the success of the first Saint-Denis Réunion Open, organized according to the strict requirements and BWF standards of Badminton. World Federation.
Sylvain Benaïn, Vice-President of the French Badminton Federation was present to ensure compliance with these standards. He also recalled the challenges of this type of event: “The priority of the FFBa is to encourage both sports performance and social performance. We have to show that badminton also makes it possible to find its place in our organizations as volunteers, referees, organizers, etc. The Saint-Denis Réunion Open is proof of this great dynamic. Since my arrival, I have observed motivated people who want to make this competition a success”.
In terms of sporting performance, the competition was marked by a clear domination of players from Japan. The finals were 100% Japanese, both in doubles (mixed and men), and in singles (ladies and men). For the women’s doubles final, it was the Germans who won against the Indians. For players from Reunion and the Indian Ocean area, this competition was a golden opportunity to rub shoulders with high-level international players, and to better prepare for the 2023 Island Games in Madagascar.
