St. Margrethen, Switzerland – The Badminton Club St. Margrethen recently concluded its annual general meeting with a celebration of its history and a look toward the future, welcoming 20 new members and honoring a long-standing member for four decades of dedication. The club is likewise preparing for its annual Rheintaler Badminton Open tournament later this year.
A highlight of the meeting was the recognition of Günther Enge, who has been a member of the club for an impressive 40 years, becoming a significant part of its history. Members expressed their gratitude to the board, the organizing committee of the Rheintaler Badminton-Open, the coaches, and all the volunteers who contribute to the club’s success.
The board was confirmed for another year during the statutory business portion of the meeting, though some positions remain vacant. The club hopes to fill these roles before the start of the summer break. President Markus Heeb is approaching the end of his term, and a successor is already being prepared for a smooth transition next year.
On the sporting front, the club enjoyed a successful season. Both teams performed well, with the first team achieving a commendable third-place finish in the 3rd League. As the intensive season winds down, preparations are already underway for the upcoming season, which begins in late summer. The club encourages anyone interested in badminton to attend a training session and join the community.
Rheintaler Badminton Open Set for November
The Badminton Club St. Margrethen is also gearing up to host the 17th Rheintaler Badminton Open (RTBO) on November 7th and 8th, 2026. This represents the largest badminton tournament in the Rheintal region, offering competition for players of all levels – from casual players to licensed athletes – in men’s and women’s categories. A “Grümpeli” (a casual doubles event) has been added since 2021, further expanding the tournament’s appeal.
The RTBO will be held at the OMR Hall in Heerbrugg, and will feature food and beverage services throughout the weekend. The preliminary schedule includes women’s and men’s singles on Saturday morning, followed by the Grümpeli mixed doubles in the afternoon. Sunday will feature women’s and men’s doubles in the morning, and mixed doubles in the afternoon, concluding with another Grümpeli doubles event.
Registration for licensed players will open at a later date. Those interested in participating in the Grümpeli can email turnierleitung@rtbo.ch or use the contact form on the club’s website. Participants are encouraged to register quickly, as the number of Grümpeli participants is limited. The entry fee is CHF 20 per person, including a soft drink or beer. Participation is open to those aged 18 and over. The club anticipates a strong showing of players in costume, a tradition at the RTBO.
Players can request a racket if needed upon registration. Shuttles will be provided by the club. The tournament is likely to be divided into two skill levels, so players are asked to indicate their experience level when registering. Official registration closes on October 31, 2026. The club gratefully acknowledges its sponsors, including Raiffeisenbank Unteres Rheintal (the main sponsor), Chäshütte Balgach, Cretti Kafferösterei, and Mineralheilbad St.
For those unfamiliar with the region, Heerbrugg is located in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland, a region known for its scenic beauty and active sporting community. The Rheintal, or Rhine Valley, is a geographically significant area stretching along the Rhine River, providing a backdrop for numerous sporting events throughout the year.
The Badminton Club St. Margrethen’s continued success is a testament to the dedication of its members and the vibrant badminton community in the Rheintal region. With a strong foundation built over 40 years, the club is well-positioned for continued growth and success in the years to come.
The next key date for the club is the registration deadline for the Grümpeli event on October 31, 2026. Interested players are encouraged to reach out to the tournament organizers soon to secure their spot.
