HORSENS, Denmark — The world’s best badminton players are battling for team glory at Forum Horsens this week, but you don’t need a racket sponsorship or a spot on the Danish national team to join the action. Just steps from the championship venue, Bytorv Horsens shopping center has transformed part of its atrium into a free public badminton court — complete with rackets, shuttlecocks, and an open invitation to play.

As the 2026 BWF World Team Championships (April 24–May 3) draw global attention to this Danish city of 60,000, organizers have prioritized fan engagement. The court at Bytorv Horsens is one of several public activations designed to bring the sport to life for locals and visitors alike.

How It Works: Free Play for All Ages

The setup is simple: walk into Bytorv Horsens, locate the court near the main entrance, and grab a racket. No reservations are required, and there’s no cost to play. The court is available daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM through May 3, aligning with the tournament schedule.

“We wanted to give everyone a chance to experience the excitement of badminton firsthand,” said a spokesperson for Horsens Kommune, the local municipality co-hosting the event. “Whether you’re a seasoned player or picking up a racket for the first time, this is your opportunity to feel part of the championship.”

The court is positioned in a high-traffic area of the shopping center, making it visible to passersby. Signage in Danish and English provides basic rules and safety guidelines, though no formal instruction is offered. Players are encouraged to keep rallies short to accommodate demand, with a suggested 15-minute limit during peak hours.

Part of a Larger Fan Experience

The Bytorv Horsens court is one piece of a broader effort to engage fans beyond the arena. Across the city, public spaces have been activated with badminton-themed activities:

• Søndergade and Torvet: Outdoor courts set up for drop-in play (10:00 AM–6:00 PM daily).
• Forum Horsens: A fan zone with food stalls, live music, and a “Monster Battle Badminton” event on April 28, featuring oversized rackets and giant shuttlecocks.
• KUBEN: A VM-lounge offering coffee and a place to watch tournament matches on screens.
• Live Art: Street artists creating badminton-themed murals outside Forum Horsens (April 28–29).

“The goal is to develop the championship feel like a citywide celebration,” said tournament director Lars Møller. “Badminton isn’t just a sport here — it’s a shared experience.”

Why It Matters: Grassroots Growth in a Global Sport

The BWF World Team Championships, which alternate between the Thomas Cup (men’s teams) and Uber Cup (women’s teams), are among the most prestigious events in badminton. This year’s edition features 16 men’s teams competing for the Thomas Cup, with powerhouses like China, Indonesia, Japan, and host nation Denmark vying for the title.

But while the elite players dominate headlines, the sport’s growth depends on grassroots participation. Denmark, a nation of 5.9 million people, has produced multiple world champions, including Viktor Axelsen (2022 Olympic gold medalist) and the legendary Camilla Martin. The country’s success is often attributed to its robust club system and accessible facilities — a model organizers hope to reinforce with initiatives like the Bytorv Horsens court.

“Badminton is a sport for everyone,” said Axelsen in a pre-tournament interview. “You don’t need expensive gear or a special court to start. Just a racket, a shuttlecock, and someone to play with.”

What to Know Before You Play

If you’re planning to visit the Bytorv Horsens court, here’s what to expect:

• Location: Bytorv Horsens shopping center, Søndergade 14, 8700 Horsens. The court is near the main entrance, adjacent to the Honningkrukken store.
• Hours: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM daily through May 3.
• Equipment: Rackets and shuttlecocks are provided free of charge. No outside equipment is permitted on the court.
• Age Restrictions: None, but children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Capacity: The court can accommodate 2–4 players at a time. During busy periods, a 15-minute time limit may be enforced.
• Accessibility: The court is wheelchair-accessible, though the playing surface is standard badminton flooring (not adapted for wheelchair play).

For those novel to the sport, the court’s location offers an added perk: Bytorv Horsens is home to several sports retailers, including ProShop and Sportmaster, where beginners can pick up their own gear.

Beyond the Court: How to Follow the Championship

While the Bytorv Horsens court offers a taste of the action, the main event is unfolding at Forum Horsens, just a 10-minute walk away. Here’s how to stay connected:

• Tickets: Single-session tickets start at DKK 150 (≈ $22 USD) and are available via Ticketmaster. A limited number of walk-up tickets may be available at the venue.
• TV/Streaming: Matches are broadcast live on TV 2 Sport (Denmark) and BWF TV (international).
• Schedule: The knockout rounds commence April 29, with the semifinals on May 2 and the finals on May 3. Denmark’s men’s team, led by Viktor Axelsen, plays its quarterfinal on April 29 at 4:00 PM local time (2:00 PM UTC).
• Fan Zone: The area outside Forum Horsens is open daily from 12:00 PM–5:00 PM, featuring food trucks, live music, and interactive games.

Key Takeaways

• The Bytorv Horsens badminton court is free to use and open to all ages through May 3.
• Rackets and shuttlecocks are provided; no outside equipment is permitted.
• The court is part of a citywide effort to engage fans during the 2026 BWF World Team Championships.
• Denmark’s men’s team, featuring Viktor Axelsen, plays its quarterfinal on April 29 at 4:00 PM local time.
• Public badminton activations are also available at Søndergade, Torvet, and Forum Horsens.

What’s Next

The 2026 BWF World Team Championships continue through May 3, with the Thomas Cup final set for 3:00 PM local time (1:00 PM UTC). The Bytorv Horsens court will remain open until the tournament’s closing ceremony, offering one last chance to play before the world’s best return home.

For real-time updates, follow @bwfbadminton on X (formerly Twitter) or check the official tournament website at horsens.dk/vmibadminton.

Have you played on the Bytorv Horsens court? Share your experience in the comments or tag us on social media with #ArchysportBadminton.