Amiens, France – The Tournoi des Hortillons, a national badminton tournament, returns this weekend with ambitions to further establish itself as a key event on the French badminton calendar. Now open to National 1 (N1) players since 2025, the tournament is gaining momentum and promises two days of intense competition at the Coliseum and Gymnase des Quatre Chênes.
The tournament’s growth reflects a broader surge in badminton’s popularity in the Amiens region, and across France. Amiens itself has a strong sporting tradition, recognized as the most sporting city in France in both 1969 and 1999, boasting over 300 sports associations as of 2015. This vibrant sporting culture provides a strong foundation for events like the Tournoi des Hortillons.
Sébastien Franck, recently elected president of Amiens UC Badminton in August, emphasizes the tournament’s significance. “This represents the biggest tournament of the year for us and the biggest in the region,” Franck stated. “It’s about showcasing the club and the city, and also ensuring important financial returns in the current climate.” Franck highlighted the club’s success in 2025, exceeding membership expectations with over 430 members, and becoming the leading badminton club in the Hauts-de-France region.
The Amiens UC Badminton club has been instrumental in fostering this growth, hosting three national-level tournaments in 2025 – Duo Mixto, Hortillons, and Jeunes Gargouilles – including a competition capable of hosting France’s elite players at the Coliseum. This commitment to hosting high-caliber events is central to the club’s strategy.
On the court, the 2026 Tournoi des Hortillons is set to feature several of France’s top 100 players. In men’s singles, spectators can expect to see Martin Bellot, currently ranked 37th in France, and Bruno Lucas, ranked 69th nationally. The women’s singles draw is equally competitive, featuring Alicia Huynh (46th) and Alizée Simon (58th). “We have some excellent players in all categories. That’s exactly what we were aiming for when we opened up to N1 level,” Franck explained.
The men’s doubles competition will showcase Mathieu Gangloff, ranked 24th in France in the specialty. “We’re clearly looking at the national elite there. These are the kinds of players that give credibility to our tournament,” Franck added. The success of the club extends beyond individual performances, with five teams competing in the 2024-2025 season achieving notable results: a third-place finish for the Pré-Nationale team, second-place finishes for teams 2 and 3, and first-place finishes for teams 4, and 5.
Franck attributes the club’s success to a strong foundation of volunteer support. “The human element, especially among the volunteers, remains an indispensable link, without which nothing is possible,” he said. This dedication from volunteers has been crucial in organizing the tournaments and maintaining the club’s momentum.
Amiens UC Badminton is currently the only badminton club in the Somme department with a full-time coach, supplemented by a part-time APA (Adapted Physical Activity) instructor. Securing the financial resources to maintain these positions is a constant challenge for the club’s leadership, but a priority given the importance of professional coaching.
The Tournoi des Hortillons isn’t just about elite competition; it’s a vital component of the club’s financial health and a showcase for the city of Amiens. The event’s continued growth is a testament to the dedication of the club, its volunteers, and the growing enthusiasm for badminton in the region. The tournament’s success also underscores Amiens’ reputation as a prominent sporting city in France.
What’s Next: The Tournoi des Hortillons will be held this weekend at the Coliseum and Gymnase des Quatre Chênes in Amiens. Further updates and results will be available on the Amiens UC Badminton’s official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/aucbadminton80/).
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