Badminton split resolved

Press, 28 March 1981, Page 23

Badminton split resolved

PA Wellington World badminton's rival factions are back together, and the New Zealand Badminton Federation supported the move. At an extraordinary general meeting of the International Badminton Federation at London on Monday, it was agreed on a 57-4 vote that the LB.F. and the rival World Badminton Federation should reunite. New Zealand, a member of the LB.F.. voted in favour of the move, and the national chairman. Mr Ewart White, said that the rejoining of the two groups could only, he to the benefit of the sport. "We are delighted to hear the news that we are all one again,'' Mr White said. "It means that badminton is the winner." The rift that has now been

healed appeared about four years ago. when a group of nations, led by China. Malaysia, and Singapore, split from the LB.F. to form their own world body. They left the LB.F. because they were unhappy with the voting structure, which gave them the same say as other countries with far fewer badminton players. Since the split. LB.F.’ member nations have been forbidden to play against members of the W.B.F. That has meant New Zealand has been denied the opportunity to play against some of the best players in the world, including the Chinese, perhaps the strongest of all. Taiwan, a member of the I 8.F.. has changed its name to Chinese Taipei to accommodate its communist neighbours, and South Africa has said that it will not enter the world championships, the Thomas Cup. or the Über Cup.