Badminton Europe celebrates the recent decision by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to upgrade the HYLO Open to a Super 500 tournament for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. This marks a significant milestone for the event, further cementing its status as one of Europe’s top tournaments.

The HYLO Open has consistently been a highlight on the European badminton calendar, attracting top international players and thrilling fans year after year. The 2024 edition saw remarkable success for European players, with Christo Popov defeating his brother Toma Junior Popov in the Men’s Singles final, Mia Blichfeldt taking the Women’s Singles title, Amalie Magelund and Jesper Toft triumphing in Mixed Doubles, Ben Lane and Sean Vendy winning the Men’s Doubles, and Polina Buhrova and Yevheniia Kantemyr securing their first BWF World Tour silver medal in Women’s Doubles.

The tournament’s elevation to Super 500 status brings several key benefits, including increased prize money from USD 210,000 in 2024 to USD 475,000 in 2025 and higher world ranking points. This upgrade places HYLO Open among the top five badminton tournaments in Europe, alongside the All England Open (Super 1000), Denmark Open and French Open (Super 750), and Arctic Open in Finland (Super 500). The tournament will be held from October 28 to November 2, 2025, at the Saarlandhalle in Saarbrücken.

“This upgrade is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in organizing the HYLO Open,” said Tournament Director Frank Liedke. “We have proven over the years that our tournament can compete with higher-ranked events. We are grateful to BWF for their trust and are confident that we will meet the expectations that come with this upgrade.”

The tournament’s global reach will also expand, with live international television coverage increasing from two to four days. This enhanced visibility has played a crucial role in attracting greater sponsorship and investment, further strengthening the event’s growth.

“For us, this is a logical step,” said Boris Röder, Head of Corporate Communications at title sponsor Ursapharm Arzneimittel GmbH. “This is one of the biggest events in the region, and the consistently growing global reach confirms our instincts. We had no doubt that we wanted to be part of this and help make the event even bigger.”

Reinhold Jost, Minister for Interior and Sport of Saarland, also highlighted the tournament’s importance: “The HYLO Open has become one of the flagship sporting events in Saarland. We are very proud of this and are demonstrating our appreciation with appropriate financial support.”

German player Isabel Lohau also shared her excitement about the tournament’s upgrade: “It’s definitely something special. All athletes are aiming to play those big tournaments, and there’s nothing better than having one of those big tournaments in the city where we train and live. Playing on home soil is always special. You stay in your comfort zone and always have the crowd behind you. And the bigger the tournament and the better the competition with the best in the world, the more interesting the tournament becomes for us.”

Lohau, who is currently getting back in the groove of being able to compete in international tournaments, remains hopeful about her participation in the event: “It’s a little early to say if I will be back in time. But I have a lot of trust in my body. A lot of new things are happening at the moment, and I will give myself the time I need, but obviously, it would be great to step on court at the HYLO Open Super 500 in Saarbrücken.”

With the upgrade to Super 500 status, HYLO Open further solidifies its reputation as a premier tournament, promising world-class badminton action and an exciting addition to the European tour in the coming seasons.

Fans can look forward to witnessing top-tier competition in Saarbrücken, as the tournament continues to grow in prestige and significance.

The legendary Japan-originated global sports equipment company has become the gold standard in badminton gear

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SPONSORED POST

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What’s the fastest ball sport in the world? If you guessed badminton, you’re absolutely right. On April 14,2023, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy from India smashed a shuttlecock at a staggering565 km/h, setting the men’s world record, while Malaysia’s Pearly Tan recorded an impressive 438 km/h — a new record for women. Both are officially recognized by the Guinness World Records. These incredible speeds highlight the dynamic, high-intensity nature of badminton, where precision and agility make all the difference.

What was once seen as a casual backyard game is now drawing in new fans who are quickly getting hooked — drawn to its speed, intensity and the sheer satisfaction of a perfectly placed smash. And as the sport continues to gain momentum globally, one brand stands at the forefront: Yonex. A Japanese sports equipment company that’s long been the leading brand in badminton worldwide.

While much of the spotlight often falls on rackets, the right footwear is just as critical for performance on the court. Whether you’re looking to take up badminton for the first time or you’re a seasoned player looking to elevate your game, keep reading for our recommendations of the best footwear.

POWER CUSHION 65 / Viktor Axelsen

Why Do You Need Badminton Shoes?

If you're new to badminton or just play occasionally, you might wonder whether specialized shoes are necessary. The truth is, badminton involves quick lateral movements, sudden stops and high-impact jumps — things that regular running shoes aren’t designed for. Unlike standard sneakers, badminton shoes provide better grip, stability, and cushioning to prevent injuries and improve performance on the court.

As a leader in badminton footwear, Yonex goes even further by incorporating cutting-edge technology for superior shock absorption and energy return, ensuring you stay agile and protected during every game.

Yonex:A Legacy of Excellence and Craftsmanship

Founded in 1946, Yonex began manufacturing badminton rackets in 1957 and has since grown into the world’s leading brand for badminton gear. The company’s rackets have achieved legendary status, and Yonex shoes have earned a reputation as essential equipment for professional and recreational players alike; they’re known for their use of both advanced technology and thoughtful design.

At the core of Yonex’s success is its unwavering commitment to monozukuri — the Japanese philosophy of craftsmanship that emphasizes precision, quality and continuous improvement, ensuring that every pair of shoes meets the highest standards of performance and durability.

At the heart of Yonex’s success is its Power Cushion technology, a cushioning material incorporated into every shoe it makes. The Power Cushion absorbs shock and converts impact energy into quick movement, reducing strain on the feet and joints. This technology helps players maintain stability and agility during intense rallies, giving them a crucial edge on the court.

 

Finding Your Perfect Fit

Yonex recognizes that different players have different needs, which is why they offer a range of badminton shoes tailored to various playing styles and priorities:

●      65 Series: Designed for a well-rounded, balanced performance, the 65 Series provides a blend of comfort, stability and responsiveness — ideal for players seeking versatility on the court.

●      Aerus Series: Yonex’s lightest line of shoes, the Aerus Series is engineered for players who want to focus on rapid footwork and quick direction changes.

●      EclipsionSeries: For players who prioritize stability, the Eclipson Series offers reinforced support and grip, ensuring secure footing during aggressive movements.

●      Comfort Series: Featuring enhanced cushioning, the Comfort Series reduces foot fatigue and absorbs shock, making it ideal for longer matches and training sessions.

●      Cascade Series: Offering a balance of performance and affordability, the Cascade Series is a reliable choice for club players and intermediate competitors.

●     Strider Series: Designed for beginners, the Strider Series provides comfort and support at an accessible price point.

POWER CUSHION 65

Performance Backed by Champions

For decades, Yonex has been the brand of choice for elite badminton players. Its dedication to innovation and quality has solidified its reputation as the gold standard in badminton equipment. Known for their exceptional grip, stability and shock absorption, Yonex’s badminton shoes give players the confidence to move faster, pivot smoothly and stay in control no matter their experience level.

 

Discover the full range of Yonex badminton shoes and find your perfect match here.

The countdown to the 2025 European Championships in Horsens is on. We will get to see the continent’s best battle for the biggest European title next week – one of them being the temporary partnership between Dutch Robin Tabeling and Alexandra Bøje, a Horsens native. 

Bøje and Tabeling are one of the most interesting pairs in the tournament. It was only a few weeks ago that they won their first title together at the YONEX German Open, and now, they’re coming to Horsens with momentum and something to prove. 

 

An unlikely yet strong duo 

The partnership between Denmark’s Bøje and the Netherlands’ Tabeling came about in October under challenging circumstances. Bøje’s regular partner, Mathias Christiansen, is serving a suspension until the end of July of this year, leaving her without a mixed doubles partner. Tabeling, one of Europe’s top mixed doubles players, stepped in. 

Fast forward to March, and they went on to become German Open champions. “It was amazing, we had a really great week. We had a lot of great matches,” said Bøje after the win in Mülheim. For her, the win was the light she’d been chasing in a challenging period. “The last six months have been really, really tough. I’m just so proud of us and myself, and I’m happy. I am really, really happy.” 

Tabeling agreed on the renewed sense of hope and positivity that this win brought to them as a pair. “It’s always great playing on a Sunday – even better winning it,” he said, reflecting on what was his first Super 300 title. The Dutch athlete, who has won medals at the European Championships and European Games before, added: “We showed today that we have a good level to challenge a lot of pairs.” 

 

An achievement that means so much more 

This win wasn’t just about the trophy, it was a statement and a hopeful turning point, coming off several first-round exits. “It’s just a mix of being proud of us, and being proud of myself, still going to practice every day. Just keep going and believing that it would come in the end,” Bøje shared in the mixed zone after their title win in Mülheim, after being asked on why this title win had brought such an emotional reaction out of her. 

For Tabeling, this partnership is part of his farewell. “I will become a father in the summer. And besides that, I decided to stop,” he revealed. “If I wanted to keep my level like this, I had to go abroad a full year, and I didn’t want to do this anymore.” 

The European Championships, then, have a deeper meaning for the pair. It is one last shot at gold for the Dutch player, and an emotional homecoming for the Dane. 

 

All eyes on Horsens 

With the title in Germany, they’ve sent a message to all the other mixed doubles pairs on the international scene. “I think we showed today that we can be quite dangerous,” Bøje said. “It’s in my hometown so of course I’m very much looking forward to that. Hopefully we can do well there.” 

Tabeling agreed: “We have the European Championships coming up – that’s our big goal.” 

There may be more established pairs in the draw, but Bøje and Tabeling bring a great story and momentum to the court. This duo is one to watch in Horsens.