The Sudirman Cup Story

Dick Sudirman, in whose honour the Sudirman Cup was instituted, was one of the founders of PBSI (Badminton Association of Indonesia) and its president for 22 years.

He earned respect worldwide as an administrator with PBSI and with other governing bodies such as Asian Badminton Confederation and International Badminton Federation (IBF, now BWF).

Following Sudirman’s death from a stroke on 10 June 1986, his long-time friend and PBSI vice-president Suharso Suhandinata wrote to IBF President Arthur Jones recalling Sudirman’s contributions to badminton. (Suhandinata, in fact, had visited Sudirman the night before his death.)

In that letter of August 1986, Suhandinata suggested that something tangible be initiated in Sudirman’s memory, and asked if IBF would consider Indonesia’s proposal for a competition to be instituted in his name.

The idea was brought up for discussion at the IBF Council meeting by Arthur Jones in 1986. By 1988 the IBF was convinced of the possibility of holding a World Mixed Team Championships and accepted the Indonesian offer of the trophy.

As the calendar was tight, the IBF Council decided that the Sudirman Cup be staged in conjunction with the World Championships.

The Sudirman Cup, like the other major trophies in badminton such as the Thomas Cup, the Uber Cup and the Suhandinata Cup, is an exceptional piece of workmanship; it brings together elements of badminton and the cultural heritage of Indonesia – the country that donated the trophy.

The trophy was designed by Rusnandi, a student at the Faculty of Fine Arts of Bandung Technology Institute. Created in honour of Dick Sudirman, the trophy is made of 22-carat gold-plated solid silver. Standing 80cm high, it stands on an octagonal base made of solid jati wood. The body of the cup is shaped like a shuttlecock, while the lid is designed after Indonesia’s world-famous Borobudur Temple.

The handles are shaped like stamens, symbolising the seeds of badminton. The trophy was made by the Masterix Bandung Company and cost US$15,000 when it was presented to IBF in May 1989.

The first Sudirman Cup was played at Bung Karno Stadium in Indonesia from 24-29 May 1989 with 28 participating teams. It proved greatly popular with players and fans, and by the eighth edition, it had built up sufficient momentum to be staged as a standalone event.

The event has been held every two years since 1989.

Indonesia won the inaugural edition at
home – the one and only time they’ve taken the title. Korea emerged champions in the next two editions, followed by China, who won all but two editions from 1995 to 2021 (Korea interrupted China’s reign in 2003 and 2017).

Tags: SUDIRMAN CUP

Sudirman Cup News

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Sweet 13th for China!

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One Point Too Far for Japan

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Flawless Korea Overcome Malaysian Challenge

Flawless Korea Overcome Malaysian Challenge

20 May 2023
Viktor Axelsen Retires with Injury

Viktor Axelsen Retires with Injury

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Captain Hoki Inspires Japan Revival

Captain Hoki Inspires Japan Revival

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Taekwondo Champ Li Shi Feng Aces Celebration

Taekwondo Champ Li Shi Feng Aces Celebration

18 May 2023
Cool Kunlavut Turns Tide for Thailand

Cool Kunlavut Turns Tide for Thailand

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Jeon Finds Spark in Korean Rout of Japan

Jeon Finds Spark in Korean Rout of Japan

17 May 2023
Malaysia Top ‘Group of Death’

Malaysia Top ‘Group of Death’

17 May 2023
An Opportunity Slips for Canada

An Opportunity Slips for Canada

16 May 2023
Sensational Goh Jin Wei Seals Tie for Malaysia

Sensational Goh Jin Wei Seals Tie for Malaysia

15 May 2023
Emotional Return to Birthplace for Adam Dong

Emotional Return to Birthplace for Adam Dong

15 May 2023
Axelsen Clears the Way for Denmark

Axelsen Clears the Way for Denmark

14 May 2023
Chinese Taipei Sail Through in Testy Waters

Chinese Taipei Sail Through in Testy Waters

14 May 2023
Where To Watch: TotalEnergies BWF Sudirman Cup Finals 2023

Where To Watch: TotalEnergies BWF Sudirman Cup Finals 2023

14 May 2023
Minnows Hope to Make a Mark

Minnows Hope to Make a Mark

13 May 2023
Back in Badminton Heartland!

Back in Badminton Heartland!

13 May 2023
Indonesians Seek to End Three-Decade Wait

Indonesians Seek to End Three-Decade Wait

12 May 2023
‘Fukuhiro’ High on Confidence After Dubai Win

‘Fukuhiro’ High on Confidence After Dubai Win

12 May 2023
China Hold the Aces

China Hold the Aces

11 May 2023
Group D Preview: Japan, Korea Will be Wary of France

Group D Preview: Japan, Korea Will be Wary of France

11 May 2023
Group C Preview: The Group of Death?

Group C Preview: The Group of Death?

5 May 2023
Minions in Indonesia’s Sudirman Cup Squad

Minions in Indonesia’s Sudirman Cup Squad

2 May 2023
Group B Preview: Tunjung’s Form Bodes Well for Indonesia

Group B Preview: Tunjung’s Form Bodes Well for Indonesia

21 April 2023
Group A Preview: Decisive Denmark-Singapore Clash

Group A Preview: Decisive Denmark-Singapore Clash

14 April 2023
Fast-Rising Duo Give Edge to India’s Hopes

Fast-Rising Duo Give Edge to India’s Hopes

13 April 2023
Sudirman Cup: Malaysia, Chinese Taipei in Tricky Group C

Sudirman Cup: Malaysia, Chinese Taipei in Tricky Group C

25 March 2023
Sudirman Cup: Egypt, Singapore Among Participating Teams

Sudirman Cup: Egypt, Singapore Among Participating Teams

8 March 2023
Pan American Cup: Canada Cruise to Title

Pan American Cup: Canada Cruise to Title

21 February 2023
Asia Mixed Team Championship: China Reign Again

Asia Mixed Team Championship: China Reign Again

20 February 2023
Oceania Mixed Team Championships: Australia Breeze Through

Oceania Mixed Team Championships: Australia Breeze Through

19 February 2023
European Mixed Team Championships: Denmark Survive Torrid Test

European Mixed Team Championships: Denmark Survive Torrid Test

19 February 2023
Africa Mixed Team Championships: Egypt Roar Back to Retain Crown

Africa Mixed Team Championships: Egypt Roar Back to Retain Crown

17 February 2023
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