The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has announced that the first-ever BWF AirBadminton World Cup 2025 will take place in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, from 11–14 December 2025.
This marks a significant step in the evolution of the sport known as AirBadminton — a variant of traditional badminton designed to be played outdoors, on surfaces such as sand, grass or hard court.
What is AirBadminton?
AirBadminton was launched by the BWF in May 2019 to expand the reach and appeal of badminton beyond indoor arenas.
It modifies rules, equipment and venue settings so that play can happen outdoors with the specially designed “AirShuttle” that copes with wind and outdoor conditions.
By hosting a dedicated World Cup event, BWF aims to create a fully-fledged international circuit for AirBadminton, giving athletes and countries outside the traditional badminton powerhouses new competitive opportunities.
Event Details: Where, When & How It Works
- Dates: 11–14 December 2025.
- Host City: Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
- Venue: A bespoke pop-up AirBadminton arena to be installed in Sharjah (exact location yet to be announced).
- Teams: 12 teams will compete, representing 5 continents and the host nation.
- Breakdown of teams: Asia (3), Europe (3), Africa (2), Pan Am (2), Oceania (1), Host (1) — making 12 teams in total.
- Events played:
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Team Relay
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Women’s Triples
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Men’s Triples
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Qualification & Pathway
Qualification for the World Cup is via four Continental Championships in 2025:
- Pan Am in Lima, Peru (12–13 April)
- Africa in Accra, Ghana (3–6 July)
- Asia Pacific (Asia & Oceania) in Port Dickson, Malaysia (8–10 August)
- Europe in Baku, Azerbaijan (5–7 September)
Team places for the World Cup are allocated based on results in the team relay events at these championships.
For instance, Germany, Azerbaijan and Bulgaria qualified via the European Championships.
Why Sharjah?
Sharjah’s selection as host underscores its growing reputation for organising international sporting events. The Sharjah Sports Council and the UAE Badminton Federation have confirmed their commitment to delivering a world-class event.
Officials from Sharjah have noted that the event will boost the Emirate’s global sports profile and provide a new platform for outdoor sports.
What to Expect: Format & Fan Experience
The event will showcase the new format of AirBadminton, which blends sporting competition with festival-style atmosphere. BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul described the tournament as a key milestone in establishing an inclusive, global pathway for the sport.
Spectators can expect:
- A custom outdoor arena with the pop-up setup
- Mixed team relay action combining doubles and triples formats
- Men’s and women’s triples events which introduce a new tactical dimension
- Evening entertainment and festival-style fan zones (as outlined by the BWF)
Significance & Impact
- Global reach: By including countries from all continents and providing a new discipline, AirBadminton broadens access beyond traditional nations.
- Innovation in sport: The outdoor format encourages play in parks, beaches and non-arena environments, promoting accessibility.
- Legacy for Sharjah & UAE: Hosting the event bolsters Sharjah’s position as a multi-sport destination and supports its broader sports tourism ambitions.
- Athlete pathways: Emerging players can gain international exposure through a format less saturated than indoor badminton.
Key Points for Media & Fans
- Dates to remember: 11–14 December 2025 in Sharjah
- 12 teams across 5 continents plus host
- New formats: Team Relay + gender triples events
- Venue to be revealed but promotional campaigns already underway
- Qualification already underway via four continental events.
With the inaugural World Cup set, attention now turns to the details: final venue announcement, lineup of teams, broadcast and ticketing info. The BWF’s goal is to quickly establish AirBadminton as a stable, globally-recognised competitive sport.
