Badminton Europe mourns the passing of Poul-Erik Nielsen. The former IBF President passed away on 14 January 2023 at 91 years old.
The former President impacted badminton with his vast experience from 1984 to 1986. He was the main architect behind the legislation that created 'Open Badminton' around 1980, and in 1985 he received the IOC flag as a symbol of the recognition of badminton as a full Olympic sport to be played first in Barcelona 1992. It was also his initiative to create a Development Committee within the Federation in 1984, as only the second sport (after FIFA) to establish a formal development structure.
Poul-Erik also served EBU as a Council Member from 1973 -75 and as a Vice President 1977 – 1980.
As an active player, the Dane secured three All England titles from 1958-1960, together with his partners: Birgit Anker Hansen (mixed doubles, 1959), Erland Kops (men’s doubles, 1958), and Finn Kobberø (men’s doubles, 1960).