The Swiss national badminton league returned to action as regional clubs opened their campaigns in Ligue Nationale B. BC La Chaux-de-Fonds and Neuchâtel BC launched their new seasons with contrasting objectives, balancing championship aspirations against the realities of promotion and squad adaptation.
Chaux-de-Fonds Targets the Podium
BC La Chaux-de-Fonds enters the current campaign aiming for a top-three finish after placing seventh overall during the previous season. Gilles Tripet, player and president of BC La Chaux-de-Fonds, noted that the prior year proved more difficult than anticipated due to a highly balanced league table. Tripet stepped down from his role as team captain, passing the armband to teammate Mathias Bonny. While the club targets a podium spot, Tripet confirmed that a potential promotion to Ligue Nationale A remains off the table for now due to financial constraints.
Neuchâtel Celebrates Return to LNB
For Neuchâtel BC, the new season marks a long-awaited return to Switzerland’s second tier. Benjamin Zumwald, president of Neuchâtel BC, described the promotion as a major success that the club has targeted for several years. Beyond the sporting achievement, Zumwald expressed hope that competing at this level will elevate the profile of badminton across the region. With two clubs now operating in the same division, Zumwald highlighted the presence of a healthy local rivalry.
Adapting to a Higher Tier
Stepping up to Ligue Nationale B requires immediate logistical and structural changes for Neuchâtel BC. Zumwald emphasized that a different competition level demands a revised organizational approach as the club sets its sights firmly on maintaining its league status. Both clubs faced their opening fixtures on Sunday, with BC La Chaux-de-Fonds meeting Yverdon’s second team and Neuchâtel BC squaring off against Villars-sur-Glâne.
Upcoming Derby Schedule
The regional rivalry takes center stage on October 24, when BC La Chaux-de-Fonds and Neuchâtel BC meet for the first Ligue Nationale B derby of the season.
Worth a look
