The average age is low, this Friday February 6, 2026, in the sparse stands of the Palais des Sports in Caen. Schoolchildren from all over the region took their places in front of the French badminton championships. The first of the three days of competition is reserved for qualifications on the different tables – singles and doubles – of the events. The matches take place on four fields. To reach the final stages, from where the top seeds will start on Saturday February 7, 2026, you must win your two qualifying matches. The Palais des Sports, which hosted a pole vault competition the previous weekend, is innovating with this badminton configuration. And confirms its ability to organize any type of sporting event.
James Whitfield is Archysport's racket sports and golf specialist, bringing a global perspective to tennis, badminton, and golf coverage. Based between London and Singapore, James has covered Grand Slam tournaments, BWF World Tour events, and major golf championships on five continents. His reporting combines on-the-ground access with deep knowledge of the technical and strategic elements that separate elite athletes from the rest of the field. James is fluent in English, French, and Mandarin, giving him unique access to athletes across the global tennis and badminton circuits.
