Sharjah Sports Council to Host Air Badminton World Cup

.

Sharjah Prepares to Host Air Badminton World Cup in December

Khorfakkan, UAE – September 29, 2025 – Final preparations are underway in the Emirate of Sharjah to host the Air Badminton World Cup from December 11 to 14. The Sharjah Sports Council, under the chairmanship of Issa hilal Al Hazami, recently approved the final arrangements for the event, signaling the UAE’s commitment to hosting major international sporting occasions.

During its latest session,the Council reviewed progress reports on completed and ongoing preparations. Approval was granted for a comprehensive promotional campaign designed to raise awareness and attract participants and spectators. Crucially,the council also endorsed key logistical measures aimed at enhancing the UAE’s standing as a world-class destination for sporting events.

The meeting also addressed the broader seasonal calendar, highlighting the sixth Kalba Beach Games scheduled for November, and the 11th Sharjah International Cycling Tour slated for January 2026. Alongside these events, the council discussed the strategic dialog initiative, now in its fifth year, and carried out a comprehensive assessment of previously determined outcomes. The triumphant completion of the first Sharjah Sports Excellence Leadership Program, with its award ceremony held in July, received acclaim from members.

Moreover, a dedicated task force, led by Dr. Abdulrahman Al Yasi and Kaltham Obaid Al Matrooshi, has been established to collaborate with Sharjah municipality and the Districts Affairs Department. Their focus will be the effective implementation of the Emirate’s Park Investment Programme.

Event	Date	Location	Key Feature
Air Badminton World Cup	Dec 11-14, 2025	Khorfakkan	International Competition
Kalba Beach Games	November	Kalba	Multi-sport, Beach Focus
Sharjah International Cycling Tour	January 2026	Sharjah	Professional Cycling event

Did You Know? Air Badminton is a relatively new sport combining badminton with the elements of outdoor play. It is indeed designed to be more accessible and inclusive.

Pro Tip: the UAE has invested substantially in sports infrastructure in recent years, becoming a major hub for international championships.

What impact will hosting world-class sporting events like the Air Badminton World Cup have on tourism in Sharjah? How will the Park Investment Programme enhance community access to sporting facilities?

Share this story!

What are the key differences between Air Badminton and traditional badminton?

What is Air Badminton?

Air Badminton is a revolutionary new variation of badminton played outdoors with a specially designed, weighted shuttlecock. Unlike traditional badminton, which is heavily affected by wind, the Air Shuttle is designed to remain stable in breezy conditions, opening up the sport to a wider range of playing environments. This makes it perfect for beaches, parks, and even urban spaces.The sport emphasizes athleticism, strategic play, and accessibility, attracting both seasoned badminton players and newcomers alike. Key features include:

* Weighted shuttlecock: The core difference – designed for outdoor play and wind resistance.

* Larger Court Dimensions: Air Badminton courts are slightly larger than traditional badminton courts.

* modified Scoring System: Adaptations to the scoring system cater to the outdoor environment and longer rallies.

* Increased Physical Demand: the outdoor setting and shuttlecock weight require greater stamina and power.

The Sharjah Sports Council Announcement & Event Details

The Sharjah Sports Council (SSC) has officially been selected to host the inaugural Air Badminton World Cup in September 2025. This marks a meaningful milestone for the sport and for the UAE’s growing reputation as a hub for innovative sporting events. The event will take place at[SpecificVenueinSharjah-[SpecificVenueinSharjah-to be confirmed],and is expected to draw participants from over 30 countries.

Here’s a breakdown of key event details:

* Dates: september 26th – 28th, 2025

* Location: Sharjah, UAE -[SpecificVenue-[SpecificVenue-to be confirmed]

* Participants: expected to feature over 100 athletes representing 30+ nations.

* Disciplines: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles.

* Prize Pool: $100,000 USD – attracting top-tier Air badminton talent.

* Broadcasting: Live coverage will be available on[BroadcastingPartners-[BroadcastingPartners-to be confirmed]and streamed online.

Why Sharjah? The SSC’s Vision

The Sharjah Sports Council’s decision to host the Air Badminton World Cup aligns with its broader strategy to promote diverse sporting activities and position Sharjah as a leading sports destination. SSC officials highlighted the emirate’s commitment to innovation, its world-class infrastructure, and its ability to attract international sporting events.

According to Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Qassimi, President of SSC, “Hosting the Air Badminton World Cup demonstrates Sharjah’s dedication to embracing new and exciting sports. We believe Air Badminton has the potential to become a globally popular sport, and we are proud to be at the forefront of its development.”

The Rise of Air Badminton: Global Growth & Popularity

Air Badminton has experienced rapid growth since its official launch in 2019. Developed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), the sport was created to broaden badminton’s appeal and make it more accessible to a wider audience.

Key factors driving its popularity include:

1. Accessibility: Can be played on various surfaces – sand, grass, concrete – removing the need for specialized indoor courts.
2. Inclusivity: Appeals to all ages and skill levels, fostering a more inclusive sporting community.
3. Outdoor Appeal: Capitalizes on the growing trend of outdoor fitness and recreational activities.
4. Strategic Gameplay: While physically demanding, Air Badminton also requires tactical thinking and strategic shot placement.

Currently, Air Badminton is gaining traction in Europe, Asia, and Australia, with numerous national federations actively promoting the sport. The World Cup in Sharjah is expected to further accelerate its global expansion.

Impact on Sharjah’s Tourism and Economy

Hosting the Air badminton World Cup is anticipated to have a positive impact on Sharjah’s tourism sector and local economy. The event will attract international athletes, officials, and spectators, boosting hotel occupancy rates, restaurant sales, and overall tourism revenue.

Furthermore,the event will generate media exposure for Sharjah,showcasing the emirate’s attractions and enhancing its image as a vibrant and dynamic destination. The SSC estimates that the World Cup will contribute approximately $5 million USD to the local economy.

Training for Air Badminton: Skills and Fitness Requirements

air Badminton demands a unique blend of skills and fitness. While traditional badminton skills are transferable, players need to adapt to the outdoor environment and the characteristics of the Air Shuttle.

Here are some key training areas:

* Endurance Training: Longer rallies and outdoor conditions require exceptional stamina. Interval training, long-distance running, and circuit training are crucial.

* Strength Training: Developing power in the legs, core, and upper body is essential for generating forceful shots.

* Agility and Footwork: Quick reflexes and efficient footwork are vital for covering the larger court dimensions.

* Wind Adaptation: Practicing in windy conditions to learn how to adjust shot trajectory and timing.

* Air Shuttle Control: Mastering the unique flight characteristics of the Air Shuttle through dedicated drills.

Future of Air Badminton and the World Cup Series

The Sharjah Sports Council’s hosting of the inaugural World Cup is just the beginning. The BWF plans to establish an annual Air Badminton World Cup series,rotating the event between different countries to promote global participation and growth. Discussions are already underway to include Air Badminton in future multi-sport events,perhaps including the Asian Games and even the Olympic Games. The long