BWF Officers - Past and Present

 A Peep into the Past - BWF Officials since 1934…………….

Since its formation in 1934 with a nine-nation membership, Badminton World Federation (the then International Badminton Federation) has developed the sport into one of the more popular disciplines in the Olympics programme with a global link to 168 countries from across the five continents. 

Through its 77-year old history, the game has experienced numerous changes to rules and format to reign among one of the fastest growing sports with an international appeal to all spectrum of society. Much of the credit to its present status is due largely to the long line of committed and well-informed officials who sacrificed much to promote and develop the game. 

They are too numerous to name individually but some names stand out like a shining beacon whenever and wherever the sport is discussed. Sir George Thomas, Founding Father of modern badminton, first president of the IBF and donor of the now-famous Thomas Cup; Herbert Scheele, Honorary Secretary of the Federation for 38 years and recognized among the most knowledgeable in the laws of the game; Ferry Sonneville, IBF’s the first Asian president; Mdm Lu Shengrong, the first woman to head an international sports federation, remain among the highlights. 

In the past 77 years, 17 Presidents have helmed the Federation with support from over 200 officials playing significant roles in various capacities – deputy president, vice-president, council member, secretary, treasurer, among them. They represent every continent and a wide variety of countries, spanning from the United States to New Zealand, from Japan to Mexico, from Zimbabwe to Sri Lanka.

To view the full list of individuals who have served the Federation from its infancy to the present time in various capacities and time frames, please click here.