[Saba Sports News] On April 7, the world of badminton lost a pioneering leader of an era. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Badminton World Federation (BWF) confirmed the passing of Sir Craig Reedie, a Scottish sports leader and former president of the International Badminton Federation, at the age of 83.A decisive moment in badminton’s journey to the Olympic Games took place in Rome in 1982. As president of the International Badminton Federation at the time, Sir Craig Reedie arranged a meeting with IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch on the sidelines of an IOC Session. The discussion centered on badminton’s eligibility for Olympic inclusion. In his autobiography, Sir Reedie later recalled that during the 45-minute meeting, he laid out in detail the value of badminton becoming an Olympic sport. Toward the end of the talk, Samaranch stood up, presented a small gift, and asked:“When is your next World Championships?” Reedie informed him it would be held in Denmark in May 1983. Samaranch said he would attend.True to his word, he later watched the final of the World Championships in Copenhagen. The experience convinced him that badminton deserved to be a full Olympic sport. In 1985, the IOC officially announced that badminton would be a demonstration sport at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. It finally became a full medal sport at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. In addition, Sir Reedie helped the International Badminton Federation develop the sport across Africa, Central and South America, and other regions.
In our view, the passing of Sir Craig Reedie marks the end of an era. The Olympic foundation he laid for badminton will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and fans.