The first edition of the Valence Alpes International badminton tournament will take place in Valence, France, from April 10 to April 13, 2025, marking a significant addition to the European badminton calendar. Organized by the French Badminton Federation in partnership with the city of Valence, the event will feature players from 25 countries competing across five disciplines, including men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed events. The tournament is part of the BWF World Tour, offering participants the opportunity to earn ranking points ahead of the 2025 World Championships.
Key Participants and Tournament Structure
The tournament will welcome 128 athletes, including world-ranked players from the top 50 in the BWF rankings. Notable participants include Thailand’s Supak Jomkoh, the 2024 Asian champion, and Denmark’s Rasmus Gemke, who recently secured a spot in the men’s singles semifinals at the All England Open. The event will be held at the Palais des Sports de Valence, a multi-purpose arena that has hosted regional sports events since its opening in 2018. Matches will be broadcast live on the BWF’s official platform, with highlights available on local networks like France 3 Sport.
According to a statement from the French Badminton Federation, the tournament’s structure includes a preliminary round followed by a knockout stage. The prize pool totals €150,000, with the winner of each category receiving €10,000. The event also includes a junior development program, aiming to nurture emerging talent from the region. “Valence’s infrastructure and passion for sports make it an ideal host for this tournament,” said Fabien Lefèvre, the federation’s director of international relations.
Why the Tournament Matters for Players and Fans
The Valence Alpes International is the first major badminton event
