Source:Oriental Image/Ling
[Saba Sports News] The 2026 Uber Cup will be held in Horsens, Denmark from April 24 to May 3, 2026. It is the highest-level women’s team badminton tournament in the world. According to the information, in 1956 former British women’s badminton star Betty Uber proposed to the International Badminton Federation the creation of a women’s team badminton competition and donated the trophy—the Uber Cup. The trophy was made by London silversmiths Mappin & Webb, stands 18 cm tall, and features a globe topped by a sculpture of a female player holding a racket; the base bears the inscription “Presented by Mrs. Uber in 1956 to the International Badminton Federation for the International Women’s Badminton Championship Challenge Cup.” The first Uber Cup was held in Lancashire, England in 1956–57; the United States defeated Denmark 6–1 to become the inaugural champions. In 1981 the World Badminton Federation merged with the International Badminton Federation, and it was decided that from 1984 the Uber Cup would be held together with the Thomas Cup, staged biennially at the same time and place. The format was changed from the original best-of-nine ties (first to five wins: 5 singles, 4 doubles) to best-of-five ties (first to three wins: 3 singles, 2 doubles), with ties completed in a single day.
The editor believes the Uber Cup was one of the early top international team events created specifically for women athletes and helped advance women’s sports. Later, by being held together with the Thomas Cup, it increased exposure and competitive standards for women’s badminton.