Events

On March 2^nd, 2021 eight athletes will step on court to compete at the YONEX Swiss Open 2021. This marks the return of the Olympic Qualifying period for badminton – that had been suspended since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Competing under the Canadian flag this week is; Jason Ho-Shue (MS/MD), Nyl Yakura (MD), Brian Yang (MS), Xiaodong Sheng (MS), Josh Hurlburt-Yu (XD), Josephine Wu (XD), Rachel Honderich (WD) & Kristen Tsai (WD), lead by National Head Coach, Mike Butler.

Although these athletes have some experience competing during the COVID-19 pandemic in Denmark and Thailand in the past few months, the YONEX Swiss Open marks a new level of competition. For many, this tournament is an opportunity to help secure their spot for Tokyo; for others, it is the start of the final push to qualify for the Games.

“This is it!” said National Coach, Mike Butler. “Our athletes have worked so hard to put themselves in a great position to qualify for Tokyo. Now is the time to secure our spots, or to make a move to qualify.”

With Canada currently holding 7 qualification spots, covering all disciplines, there is still a chance to qualify an eighth member of the team.

“The Denmark and Thailand events were great exposure for our athletes to experience competing during COVID-19” continued Mike Butler, “I have confidence that our Canadian athletes are ready to play, and do what they need to with the few events that remain.”

With many BWF Olympic Qualifying events getting postponed or canceled throughout the world, tournament schedules and dates are constantly changing and adding challenges for the Team. With the Malaysia Open and Singapore Open being postponed - the new Olympic Qualifying period has been extended and now ends June 15^th, 2021

Click to follow the YONEX Swiss Open 2021