Outgoing Badminton World Federation President Dr. Kang Young Joong is stepping down from office “a happy leader”, knowing the organisation is “commercially stronger” and badminton is growing globally.

In his final presidential address to a BWF Annual General Meeting yesterday in Malaysia (featured image), he highlighted the world-governing body’s stability, good governance and long-term strategies which should further propel the increasing popularity which badminton is currently enjoying.

Dr. Kang noted the implementation and constant enhancement of the successful BWF World Superseries tour has provided vital financial support for badminton’s development, primarily through Shuttle Time (BWF schools’ programme), coaching courses, project collaborations with Peace and Sport and its campaign to get Para-Badminton onto the 2020 Paralympic Games programme.

The South Korean, who has served two four-year terms at the helm, also cited important constitutional reforms, including the removal of proxy voting and, for the first time, the BWF provision of financial support for representatives from its 179 Member Associations to attend the Member’s Forum and Annual General Meeting in Kuala Lumpur. In an effort to widen participation among its membership, the BWF also offered interpretation services for its Annual General Meeting in Arabic, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

More than 150 BWF Member Associations gathered in the Malaysian capital for the weekend deliberations which saw the election of Poul-Erik Hoyer of Denmark to succeed Dr. Kang as president. Gustavo Salazar Delgado of Peru is the new BWF Deputy President.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Kang reminded members “you are the owners of the BWF” and stressed that “working together” they can resolve challenges once they “respect each other’s different cultures while working towards common goals in harmony”.

He thanked his Council colleagues as well as BWF staff for their hard and impressive work, saying it has resulted in positive rewards for badminton and the BWF.

“The last eight years have been one of the most honourable periods in my life and in my retirement I will continue to work for badminton, especially to develop the sport further among the youth and women,” he said.

Newly elected president, Hoyer, paid tribute to Dr. Kang, noting that under the latter’s guidance “a lot has been achieved”.

“The BWF and badminton owe you a great debt of gratitude,” stated Hoyer.

Dr. Kang’s contribution was also heralded by others, including outgoing Deputy President Paisan Rangsikitpho; retiring Council member Torsten Berg (who served BWF for 28 years) and unsuccessful presidential candidate, Dr. Justian Suhandinata. All agreed it was a pleasure and privilege to serve with Dr. Kang who received a thunderous standing ovation as he left the podium.

CAPTION:

ABOVE: Dr. Kang Young Joong (left foreground) shakes hands with outgoing BWF Deputy President Paisan Rangsikitpho as BWF members stand and applaud him.

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Outgoing BWF President Dr. Kang Young Joong (left) introduced newly elected BWF President Poul-Erik Hoyer to the media at a Press conference following the BWF Annual General Meeting.

Dagmawit Girmay Berhane (left) and Geraldine Brown – continental confederation Vice Presidents for Africa and Oceania respectively – are newcomers to the BWF Council.

The counting of votes to determine the winner of the BWF presidential election at yesterday’s Annual General Meeting.