Today, at the 86th BWF Annual General Meeting in Xiamen, China, it was confirmed that Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul from Thailand is the new President of the Badminton World Federation (BWF). She becomes the second woman in history to lead the world federation. Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul succeeds Poul-Erik Høyer, who has served as BWF President for twelve years since 2013.

In 2005, Poul-Erik Høyer was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and although he has done an outstanding job throughout the years despite his illness, he himself believes that now is the right time to step down from his top position as President, a decision he explained during this year's All England in March.

It is therefore a resolved Poul-Erik Høyer who now passes the baton to Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul. Speaking to the BWF, he said:

“It’s a great honour to pass on the baton of BWF President to my dear friend and colleague Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul... I am sure badminton and the BWF will continue to grow and blossom under your leadership and guidance... Badminton has been such a big part of my life for so many years now, both on and off the court... And I am so proud of the transformations we have collectively made together over the last 12 years to take the sport to where it is today.”

The new President also expressed her appreciation for Poul-Erik Høyer’s contribution to the BWF over the years:

“Thank you so much for everything you have done for badminton, as a champion on court, a visionary administrator, and, above all, as a wonderful person...It is both a privilege and a great responsibility to accept the baton of leadership from you.
You have set a high standard for us all to follow.”

In March, during Badminton Europe’s Award Ceremony, Poul-Erik Høyer was inducted into Badminton Europe’s Hall of Fame, and today he was awarded the title of Honorary Life Vice President by the BWF membership at the BWF AGM.

We extend our warm congratulations to Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul on her new role as BWF President and a huge thank you to Poul-Erik Høyer for his incredible service.

In addition to a new President, Etienne Thobois from France was confirmed as Deputy President-elect. Another Frenchman, Richard Perot, was elected as BWF Vice President for Para Badminton.

Furthermore, 20 new BWF Council Members were elected in accordance with the continental and gender quotas outlined in the BWF Constitution. Among the 20 new Council Members, the following are from Europe (listed alphabetically by surname):

Andoni Azurmendi Ibarrola (ESP)

Charlotte Dew-Hattens (DEN)

Jan Helmond (NED)

Jo ‘Anne Cassar (MLT)

Nora Perry (ENG)

Sven Serré (BEL)

Taleh Ziyadov (AZE)

In addition to the newly elected Council Members, Robbert De Kock continues to serve as the Continental Vice President of Europe.

Tomorrow, the Sudirman Cup will kick off in continuation of the BWF AGM in Xiamen, China, where Czechia, France, Denmark, and England will be representing Europe.
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