Badminton: Thailand's Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul becomes BWF president, only 2nd woman ever to take up the role
Thailand's Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul became the second woman president of the Badminton World Federation as her appointment as the new chief of the governing body was confirmed at the 86th BWF Annual General Meeting in Xiamen, China held on Saturday. Leeswadtrakul won unopposed as she was the only nominee for the position.
Khunying Patama succeeds Denmark's Poul-Erik Høyer, whose 12-year tenure as BWF President ends on Saturday.
Lu Shengrong, who served in the role from 1993 to 2001, was the first female chief of the global governing body. Lu's election as IBF President in 1993 was also the first Chinese president of any international sporting organisation.
'For me, badminton has always been more than a sport and tonight marks a deeply meaningful milestone,' said Khunying Patama. 'While badminton is in a strong position today, we must continue to work towards making badminton a truly global sport.
'The next Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles are just three years away and LA28 presents a powerful opportunity to elevate our sport on the world stage. We must be ready to grab this moment.' Høyer was awarded Honorary Life Vice President by the BWF membership at the AGM.
Thailand's Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul has been confirmed new BWF President at the 86th BWF AGM in Xiamen, China held today Saturday 26 April 2025. Leeswadtrakul is the second woman president of the BWF. She won unopposed. Leeswadtrakul succeeds Poul-Erik Høyer, whose 12-year… pic.twitter.com/P5ZsK6fkSh
— BWF (@bwfmedia) April 26, 2025
Khunying Patama added: 'Badminton has come a long way over the past decade, and I am truly grateful for the strong foundations that have been laid by my good friend Poul-Erik Høyer.
Høyer reflected on his 12-year term, the growth of the sport, and his wishes for the future. 'It's a great honour to pass on the baton of BWF President to my dear friend and colleague Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul,' said Høyer. 'I am sure badminton and the BWF will continue to grow and blossom under your leadership and guidance.
Paris 2024 CEO Etienne Thobois of France was confirmed as Deputy President-elect. He was the sole candidate for the position. Also at the AGM, the BWF membership formalised the permanent banning of the controversial 'spin serve' which was earlier temporarily banned. The next BWF AGM is planned for April or May 2026 in conjunction with the BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2026 in Horsens, Denmark.
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