BWF: Introduction of synthetic Shuttlecocks not likely next year

The BWF [Badminton World Federation] has canceled plans to introduce synthetic shuttlecocks next year to be used on international tournaments amidst pandemic COVID-19 outbreak.

Early this year, in January, the world governing body for Badminton had agreed to the use of synthetic feather shuttlecocks at an agreed international tournament across all levels starting from  2021. The Shuttlecocks shuttlers currently use made from goose or duck feathers.

The latest updates, however, from Vikram Dhar the head of Yonex Sunrise in India is that the use of the synthetic feather shuttlecocks will be deferred till the following year due to the global pandemic spread which has caused the suspension of all Badminton tournament which has dealt the industry with a severe blow.

Asked when the Badminton sport will witness the use of the synthetic feather shuttlecocks, Vikram said it would take a long while probably a year more.

The creation of the synthetic shuttlecocks made from plastic instead of real feathers is a technological innovation from the Yonex, which was approved by the BWF and undergone series of testing.

The Yonex Chief also spoke on the challenges ahead, admitting that many events will fail. To hold in the coming months as many academies and camps are not functioning as they should, and they have to wait for and se how things will work out.

“Now, we have to be patient and study the behavior of the market and how competitive sports resumes again ”

The Badminton national team coach Pullela Gopichand has also supported the innovation of the synthetic shuttlecocks but said it is too early to use, and time should be allowed for adaptation.

Written by: Olumide Akinnifesi