China to host major world badminton events in 2018, 2019

Beijing, March 18  The Chinese city of Nanjing was awarded the right to host next year's BWF World Championships, while another Chinese city Nanning was selected to stage the BWF Sudirman Cup 2019, the World Badminton Federation (BWF) announced on Saturday.

BWF Council Members made the decision following six bid presentations for four major events in 2018 and 2019, reports Xinhua news agency.

"Our major events showcase the best of badminton, with all of our elite athletes competing. We are excited at the prospect of breaking new ground by going to cities that have not had the honour of hosting our major events before. This is significant for the development of our sport," BWF president Poul-Erik Høyer said.

Bangkok became the first Thai city to host a BWF major event as it was named to host next year's BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals.

The Swiss city of Basel beat Tokyo to host the BWF World Championships 2019. Tokyo originally planned to bid to stage the event ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games.