The International Badminton Federation (IBF) is pleased to announce that the QI IBF World Championships, originally planned for 12-18 May in Birmingham, England, have been rescheduled to take place from 28 July to 3 August 2003.

The World Championships were called off due to the continued concerns surrounding Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Since the postponement, IBF, and tournament hosts the Badminton Association of England (BA of E) and their stakeholders have been working hard to get the 7* event – a major points earner during the Olympic Qualifying Period – back on to the international calendar.

With the latest statistics from the World Health Organisation showing a downward trend in the number of reported SARS cases worldwide, and with the United Kingdom removed from the WHO’s list of SARS-affected areas earlier this month, Birmingham’s National Indoor Arena can once again prepare to welcome the cream of world badminton.

‘The World Championships postponement has caused some contractual, logistical and financial headaches, and we are grateful to the BA of E and others for their desire still to hold the Championships, and for their dedication in spite of the extra workload for everyone involved,’ said IBF Chief Executive Neil Cameron.

‘The SARS situation will continue to be monitored closely and appropriate plans put in place in close liaison with the Birmingham Public Health authorities,’ Cameron continued, who also welcomed the WHO’s specific ‘Guidance for mass gatherings’ document issued on 15 May which contains recommendations to event organisers.

‘We look forward to a successful event, and to crowning our 2003 World Champions, in just over two months’ time.’

The 350 players from 48 countries who had qualified for the original event will get the chance to fight for the title, and for crucial world ranking points towards their Athens 2004 qualification campaigns, which end on 30 April 2004.

The IBF’s Annual General Meeting – postponed alongside the original World Championships – has also been rescheduled and will now be held on Sunday 27 July.

For further information contact:

Lindsey Bell
Communications Officer
International Badminton Federation
Tel: + 44 1242 234904 Fax: + 44 1242 221030
E-mail: lindseyb@intbadfed.org Web site: www.intbadfed.org, www.worldbadminton.net