SHUTTLECOCK

Shuttlecock kicking, Ti Jian Zi, is another traditional popular folk game. Some records date its origin as far back as the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD). This game prevailed during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), when shops specializing in shuttlecocks business appeared. In the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), formal competition of shuttlecock kicking was held. In the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), shuttlecock kicking reached its climax in terms of both making technics and the kicking skills.Besides, it’s convenient to play, for only a very small area is needed to kick the shuttlecock, and it can be practiced just about anywhere and anytime. The challenge of the increasingly difficult levels of shuttlecock kicking has made it a popular and timeless game among the Chinese.

For the first time an international shuttlecock championship was organized in Paris, France. On the French Open 12 teams participated from France, Germany, Hungary, Serbia, Greece, finland and Austria.

The games was played according to Davis Cup rules. Each team played two doubles, two singles and a team events as well.

After the group matches the best two teams played for the first place in KO system.

In the final two Hungarian teams struggled for the golden medal.

At the start of the season the Hungarian Shuttlecock Association announced a five round qualifying competition for the world championship in Vietnam. After four round in team events Bogár László, Boros Péter, Kézér Zsolt, Nózsi Péter (Újszászi VVSE) and Eperjessy Zsófia, Szabó Nóra, Varga Rita, Kapás Ágnes (Újszászi VVSE) are the members of the selected team. In men's doubles Herczeg Gábor, Takács Zoltán (Újszászi VVSE) are the top of the ranking list. In single events Tóth Gábor (Újszászi VVSE) and Gozdán Ágota (Nagykanizsa ZSE) have advantage. In women's double event four units have chance for participating at the world championship.

The 5th Királyhalom Cup was organized on 18th of April in Királyhalom (Bácki Vinogradi). Beside host teams participated Hungarian players from Újszász.

According to the rules of the cup one unit played team, double and single events as well.

For the winning they should have won three games.

At men Újszász was the champion while at women Királyhalom reached the first place.

The Secretary General of the Vietnam shuttlecock federation Mr. Hanh Nguyen just informed the ISF and the SFE that they canceled the 6th World Shuttlecock Championships.

They are very sorry to inform all members of ISF and other countries in the world that Vietnam now facing with finance crisis. They are trying all their best but they can not find the sponsor for the 6th Shuttlecock World Championship.

They are now concentrating on organizing the shuttlecock tournament of the 3rd Asian Indoor Games which will be held from 2nd to 7th November 2009.

They apologize for not organizing the Championship this year. They also hope to organize it in some other time.

Many people from various countries are often asking about Shuttlecock Sport, but few of them are ready to get involved with it; Michael Holzapfel and his Austrian's colleagues are one of them. A small, but enthusiastic group play shuttlecock with Michael leading in Mönchof, Austria.

This year they already organized two small competitions.

Vernal Clash Cup was in end of March and Michael was celebrated his birthday in January with a shuttlecock tournament as well.