One of the true greats in badminton history is no longer with us. Badminton Europe is deeply saddened by the passing of Sir Craig Reedie, at the age of 84.

Among his many roles, he served as Vice President of the European Badminton Union (now Badminton Europe), 1974–1980. IOC Vice-President, President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), President of the International Badminton Federation (IBF), and Chair of the British Olympic Association (BOA).

As President of the International Badminton Federation (IBF), now known as the Badminton World Federation (BWF), from 1981 to 1984, he led one of the most important milestones in the sport’s history. He was at the forefront of the campaign to include badminton in the Olympic programme, which ultimately led to its debut at the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games.

Sir Craig Reedie also made a significant contribution to the development of badminton in his home country of Scotland. In recognition of his efforts, the national badminton centre was named after him in 2014 and today carries the name Sir Craig Reedie Badminton Scotland Centre.

Badminton Europe President Sven Serré said: “Sir Craig Reedie was a very charismatic man, always warm and open to everyone. He was calm and always ready to offer wise advice. He did a great deal for our sport and may well be its ultimate pioneer.”

On behalf of everyone at Badminton Europe, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for his lifelong dedication to badminton. His efforts and achievements on behalf of the sport will never be forgotten.