International badminton competition returns
Athletes from around the world, including Brian Yang and other members of Team Canada, will compete here at the year’s final major international badminton event in North America.
The 2024 YONEX Canadian International Challenge will take place at the Markham Pan Am Centre from December 3 through 8. Competitors will be vying for a total prize purse of $15,000 USD. “We are excited to welcome the 2024 YONEX Canadian International Challenge back to the Markham Pan Am Centre,” says Executive Director of Badminton Canada Bryan Merrett.
“This event offers an exceptional platform for both Canadian and international athletes to compete in a (Badminton World Federation)-sanctioned tournament, while badminton fans can witness top-tier competition. We encourage local fans to attend and cheer on our National Team members such as Brian Yang and Michelle Li.”
More than 200 athletes from 21 countries, including Brazil, the U.S., France, Peru, Singapore, Australia and Germany, will compete in five categories: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles.
“The City of Markham has become the badminton capital of Canada, with a number of clubs and facilities, where young people learn the skills they need to compete at the highest levels,” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Hosting the YONEX Canadian International Challenge strengthens Markham’s position as a centre of excellence for the sport of badminton. I encourage everyone to come out and enjoy this unique opportunity to watch international elite badminton players compete in our own backyard. Let’s cheer on our local players Michelle Li, Brian Yang and the rest of the national team.”
Tickets for the 2024 YONEX Canadian International Challenge are available at https://www.canadianinternationalchallenge.com/fan-zone. Purchase a daily pass or an all-event pass. On Wednesday, Dec. 4, children aged 18 and younger enjoy free admission with no advance ticket required.
As part of its commitment to fostering community engagement and inspiring youth, Badminton Canada is offering the Shuttle Time curriculum at Markham-area schools. The free program will introduce elementary public school students to the fundamentals of badminton and will be led by Rachel Honderich, a former Olympian from the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Photo of Team Canada member Brian Yang courtesy of Badminton Canada.