IBF keeps to current nationality separation rule

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Monday, December 22, 2003

IBF keeps to current nationality separation rule

The International Badminton Federation (IBF) has decided to continue with its current policy of nationality separation in competition draws despite criticism from some member associations.

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The International Badminton Federation (IBF) has decided to continue with its current policy of nationality separation in competition draws despite criticism from some member associations.

Under current system, only the top two ranked players from eachcountry are split into opposing halves of the draw.

The system had attracted criticism from Asian badminton powerhouses who were keen to return to the old system of full nationality separation to avoid their players meeting in early rounds of competition.

But IBF's Council session in Kuala Lumpur has agreed to continue with its current regulations, aimed at boosting the diversity of players competing in the latter stages of events and increasing the sport's appeal to global TV audiences and sponsors.

The Council also decided that the Olympic Qualifying System would be revised ahead of the Beijing Olympic Games in order to achieve IBF's target of representation by 50 National Olympic Committees at the 2008 event.

Besides, the IBF is set to distribute over 1 million US dollarsin 2005 to its five Continental Confederations for development projects.

As part of its drive towards continentalisation, IBF plans to propose to the 2004 AGM in Jakarta that it allocate the money derived from its share of the Olympic TV revenues towards the increased global development of badminton.

The sport's ruling bodies of Asia and Europe will receive US$250,000 respectively. Panamerica will get US$200,000 with Africa US$150,000 and Oceania US$50,000.

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