Over 100 players expected to compete in Yonex Waikato Open in Hamilton

Waikato Badminton, hosts of this year’s YONEX Waikato Open are expecting over 100 players from all over New Zealand to participate and compete for titles, national ranking points and $2,500 prize money.

The YONEX Waikato Open event is scheduled to be held from 22-24 April 2022 at the Eastlink Badminton Stadium, Hamilton East.

This Badminton New Zealand Tour event also coincides with Waikato Badminton’s 90th Anniversary celebrations.

This event is further elevated by a focus on a Community Open Day on Sunday 24 April starting from 9.00am in conjunction with the finals day of the Yonex Waikato Open. This will provide opportunities to members of the public to experience badminton for the first time, win major prizes and watch high level badminton action, all for free.

Waikato Badminton’s 90th anniversary celebrations is, however, a ticketed function with tickets costing $20 per person.

Marianne Loh, Waikato Badminton’s Chief Executive Officer, is excited to be able to combine the Yonex Waikato Open along with a Community Open Day and 90th Anniversary Celebrations and promises fun for visitors of all age groups.

“With Covid-19 mandates being eased, we are seeing many members of the community wanting to get active by trying new things. At this event, we will see some of the best national badminton players compete. This event will also offer everyone of all abilities and all ages the opportunity to have some fun by having a go at badminton, trivia, other games, and be in to win some great prizes. There will be something to suit everybody, and every child attending will also be able take home a free shuttlecock, so come along and be part of the fun,” says Loh.

The first day (Friday, 22 April) even starts at 4pm, and at 9am on Saturday, 23 April. Semi-finals and Finals will be played on Sunday, 24 April.

Entries close on 13 April, 2022 and online entry is available via website’s of Waikato Badminton and Badminton New Zealand. Entry fee for a single event is $45, $70 for two events and $95 for three events. More details can be found here.

Waikato Badminton is a not-for-profit regional sporting organisation which develops, promotes and governs the sport of badminton in Waikato. Its strong membership base includes over 1300 members from 27 affiliated clubs across Waikato, over 300 more pay-to-play casual users and 7,000 school-aged players that use their Hamilton East stadium.

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