Figeac, France – The Club Badminton Figeacois (CBF) recently hosted a well-received friendly inter-club badminton tournament on Saturday, February 28th, bringing together players from across the region. The event, held from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM, served as a gesture of gratitude to neighboring clubs that accommodated Figeacois players last season while the local gymnasium underwent renovations.
The CBF extended invitations to teams from Cajarc, Capdenac-Gare, Livinhac-le-Haut, and Lacapelle-Marival. The tournament was organized as a thank you for the hospitality extended to Figeac players when the Cosec gymnasium was closed for essential work in June and July 2025. During that period, the city of Figeac undertook a project to replace the worn gymnasium flooring, ensuring a better playing surface for the badminton community.
More than fifty players, ranging from youth competitors to adults, participated in the team-based tournament, which utilized a “montée-descente” (ladder) format. Each team consisted of six players – two from Figeac and one from each of the visiting clubs – fostering a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration. The atmosphere throughout the afternoon was described as lively and competitive, with the CBF providing refreshments for all participants.
Following the conclusion of the tournament play, participants enjoyed a period of open play before gathering around 8:30 PM for a shared meal of *soupe au fromage* (cheese soup), a traditional French dish, providing a convivial complete to the day of athletic competition. The soup offered a welcome opportunity for players to recover and socialize after a full afternoon on the court.
The successful event highlighted the strong sense of community within the regional badminton scene. The newly renovated gymnasium floor at the Cosec was likewise a point of appreciation for both local and visiting players, offering an improved surface for the sport.
The CBF is now turning its attention to its annual spring tournament, a fully sanctioned competition by the French Badminton Federation (FFBad), scheduled for Saturday, March 21st and Sunday, March 22nd. Organizers anticipate over 110 participants for this larger, more formal event. This upcoming tournament represents a significant step up in competition from the recent friendly gathering, attracting a wider range of players and showcasing the growing popularity of badminton in the Figeac region.
The Club Badminton Figeacois, a dynamic club, currently boasts over 100 members, ranging from young players in the Minibad category (ages 6-9) to veteran competitors. Training sessions are held at the Cosec gymnasium on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays, offering opportunities for both recreational and competitive play. The club’s co-presidents, Michel Fourgous Jimenez and Matthieu Gardou, along with coaches Lisa Boissy, Pauline Chaintron, and Cédric Meilhan, are focused on fostering a positive and supportive environment for all members.
Fourgous Jimenez, who also serves as co-president of the Departmental badminton committee, noted the club’s continued growth and success, despite a slight dip in overall membership numbers compared to the previous year. He emphasized the positive atmosphere and the increasing skill level of the players. The club’s two interclub teams are currently competing in the departmental divisions 1 and 2, having already secured victories in early matches.
For those interested in learning more about the Club Badminton Figeacois or participating in upcoming events, information can be found on their Facebook page: Club Badminton Figeacois (@CBF46). The CCAC Badminton Club Capdenac-gare can also be found on Facebook: CCAC Badminton Club Capdenac-gare.
The CBF’s spring tournament, scheduled for March 21st and 22nd, promises to be another exciting event for the local badminton community, building on the success of the recent inter-club gathering and further solidifying the club’s position as a key player in the regional sports landscape.
