BADMINTON England today made a significant appointment when they named 2004 Olympic mixed doubles silver medallist and 2006 World Champion Nathan Robertson as a BE Ambassador. Robertson, who announced his retirement as a player in June, is one of the biggest names in world badminton and BADMINTON England see him as a personality who can inspire a new generation of young players to follow in his footsteps.

He becomes only the second BADMINTON England Ambassador, joining his former mixed doubles partner Gail Emms in this prestigious role. Robertson is the most successful England player of the last two decades. As well as his Olympic and World Championship successes, Robertson won gold medals at European and Commonwealth Championships, and was a key member of Team England. The 35-year-old from Nottingham, who made his international debut in 1995, went on to win 114 England caps.

His tournament successes include winning the 2005 Yonex All England title with Emms and lifting the 2009 Singapore Open men’s doubles title with Anthony Clark to give England their first Super Series success. He and Emms were world No.1s in mixed doubles while he and Clark reached No. 4 in the world in men’s doubles. He also won nine English National men’s doubles titles and six mixed doubles crowns.

Robertson will now be working closely with BADMINTON England on several new and exciting ventures to be announced shortly. He and Gail will also be supporting the Performance Centre programme which focuses on developing the next generation of talented young players as well as playing a key role in raising the profile and reach of the sport.

Adrian Christy, Chief Executive of BADMINTON England, said: “Nathan has so much to offer the game and as soon as we were aware of his decision to retire we began to make plans that would ensure we could retain his knowledge and enthusiasm as well as respecting the many other plans he has.

“We have several exciting projects being scoped right now and we will draw on all of Nathan’s experience as these take shape. I am delighted to have him working with us.” 

Nathan said: “I am very happy to continue my association with BADMINTON England through my new role as a BE ambassador. I am looking forward to working on some exciting new projects to promote and push badminton forward into the future.”

Press release by Badminton England, Photo by BadmintonPhoto