The Sudirman Cup is the world mixed team badminton championship which takes place every two years. It is held in the same venue for IBF World Championships in the same year until International Badminton Federation decided to split the two tournaments starting from the year of 2003. There are in total of five matches in every of Sudirman Cup tie which consists of men and also women’s singles, men and also women’s doubles and mixed doubles. So amazing.
For the trophy, the Sudirman Cup stands 80 cm high. It is made of 22 carats, which means 92% gold-plated solid silver, and stands on an octagonal base made of Java teak wood. The body of the Cup is in the form of a shuttlecock and also is surmounted by a replica of the Borobudur Temple. The handles are in the shape of stamens, symbolizing the seeds of badminton. Amazingly, it was made by Masterix Bandung Company at the price of US$15,000 (RM62,787).
Picture: Inside Sport
Dick Sudirman, in whose honor the Sudirman Cup was instituted, was one of the founders of PBSI and its President for 22 years. He earned respect worldwide as an administrator with PBSI and with other governing bodies such as Asian Badminton Confederation and International Badminton Federation. Although his contributions to badminton were vast, he is also most remembered for his pivotal role in helping the unification of the world governing body.
The Sudirman Cup, like the other major trophies in badminton such as the Thomas Cup, the Uber Cup, and also the Suhandinata Cup, is an exceptional piece of workmanship. This is because, it would definitely bring together all the elements of badminton and also the cultural heritage of Indonesia, which is the country that donated the trophy.
The first Sudirman Cup tournament took place in Istora Senayan, Jakarta, Indonesia on the 24th to 29th of May in the year of 1989. Respectfully, there is actually no prize money in Sudirman Cup. All the players in the particular competition play for their respective countries and also to earn the BWF world ranking points and national prestige.
Sources: BWF, Cultural Pulse.
