With the 2023 BUCS Nationals set to begin on Friday, we kick off the week by providing an insight into each of the four Championship events taking place over the coming weekend.
The 2022/23 BUCS Individual Badminton Championships, set to begin on Saturday, will see the participation of more than 600 student-athletes.
The annual event which showcases top university-level talent from across the country features players from 79 different universities this year, all traveling to Sheffield with one common goal, becoming National Champions!
Following the conclusion of badminton leagues all over the UK, students have one more opportunity to represent their universities and end the season on a high. With both singles and doubles trophies up for grabs, the Championships promise to bring an exciting exhibition of badminton at the university level in the UK.
In our first event preview of the 2023 BUCS Nationals, we look at where the event will be held, which universities are looking to defend their titles, and how the tournament will be played.
Where are the Championships held?
For the third successive year, the English Institute of Sport (EIS) will host the BUCS Individual Badminton Championships.
The EIS boasts excellent facilities that are specifically designed for athletes to compete at the highest level and provides students with an opportunity to experience playing their sport at one of the premier sports venues in the UK.
Which titles are on offer?
Five Champions will be crowned at the BUCS Individual Badminton Championships, with two singles trophies and three doubles titles on the line.
Almost 300 players will be competing across both men’s and women’s singles competitions, with only two students having the honour of being crowned individual National Champions. Over 400 pairs will also be competing in the men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles competitions.
A straight knockout-style competition will be used for all five events at the tournament, with preliminary rounds taking place on Saturday ahead of all finals being played on Sunday.
We look at how many students will be challenging for National titles and which universities will be looking to defend them.
Men’s Singles
Over 140 players will compete in the men’s singles competition this year. Players from 74 different universities are gearing up to showcase their skills and compete for the ultimate goal of being named a National Champion.
Last year saw Johnnie Torjussen of the University of Nottingham secure gold in the Men’s Individual Championships.
Women’s Singles
This year’s Women’s Singles title will be contested by around 130 students, all looking to claim the top spot and be crowned champion in what is expected to be an intense and highly competitive event.
Last year’s winner Pamela Reyes secured the title for Loughborough University, who will be looking to continue their impressive record in the Championships.
Men’s Doubles
With players eligible to compete in both singles and doubles competitions, 142 pairs will be teaming up for the highly coveted Men’s Doubles title.
Last year’s winners Samuel Smith and Johnnie Torjussen helped Nottingham secure both men’s titles in the 2021/22 season. Samuel returns for this year’s competition as he looks to defend his title.
Women’s Doubles
This year’s Women’s Doubles competition promises to be an exciting showcase of talent, with a whopping 130 female pairs set to compete.
Kiara Henry and Abby Harris delivered the gold for the University of Derby last year, with Kiara set to return and attempt to defend her crown in this year’s competition.
Mixed Doubles
With over 140 pairs set to compete, the Mixed Doubles competition promises to be fierce, as some of the most skilled doubles players in the country will be vying for the championship title.
The pairing of William Jones and Molly Chapman was victorious in last year’s event as the University of Bath took the title for Mixed Doubles.
Stay tuned for all the results coming next week!
Find out which teams were victorious here as we will be bringing you all the important results from each Championship event at the 2022/23 BUCS Nationals.
Check back in to discover which universities have claimed the championship titles next week!
In the meantime, you can learn more about badminton as a university sport in the UK here.
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