The wait is almost over. Tomorrow is the opening day of the 2020 European Men’s and Women’s Team Championships taking place throughout the week in Liévin, France.

It is a proud moment for France to host such an event, with it being another significant milestone and an indication of more to come. President of the French federation, Florent Chayet, shares his thoughts on this momentous occasion. 

-After the organisation of the European Championships in 2016, the Junior European Championships in 2017 and the European Badminton Championships in 2018, Liévin will be a new step in the organisation of major badminton tournaments in France.

-All of these events took place in the four corners of France and leave a lasting legacy for badminton development.

An old mining area of Pas-de-Calais is where the town of Liévin is situated, and where all the top European players will meet to fight for victory. When talking about the location for the EMWTC, Chayet says. 

-Liévin with its magnificent arena welcomes us in exceptional conditions and will help us further develop badminton before the Paris Olympic games in 2024 and the World Championships that we will organise in 2025.

Read: EMWTC: We expect to have a medal this year

An incredible amount of effort is put in by the French federation and Badminton Europe to plan, coordinate and deliver such a big event, and of course, make it a success. For 2020, we are almost set up and ready. Matthieu Hecker, Badminton Europe Events Officer, shares his views on how things are shaping up at the venue. 

- Everything is running smoothly, and we are nearly ready. The main part of the setup is done and today players are practising, so we can focus on the final small details. It is great to work with such an experienced organisation who is used to hosting. We have an amazing team of volunteers here doing an incredible job to make sure everything is ready when we start the tournament tomorrow.

Read: EMWTC: Who are the reigning champions?

For the full draw and fixtures, click here. 

Tickets to see Europe’s top players fight for the crown are still available.