The 2024 BEC Congress concluded with the BEC Awards Gala last night in Budapest, Hungary, marking the end of two fulfilling days of discussions and networking. The gala celebrated individuals who significantly impacted badminton in Europe through their exceptional performances and dedication.
Carolina Marin, Spain, was honoured as the BEC Female Player of the Year once again. In 2023, Marin clinched a gold medal at the European Games and won the title at the Orleans Masters, alongside reaching five other finals including the World Championships and World Tour Finals.
The BEC Male Player of the Year award was shared by the Danish duo, Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen. Their outstanding achievements in last year included winning five titles, among them a gold at the European Games, and a silver medal at the World Championships on home soil in Copenhagen.
Alex Lanier, France, was named the BEC Young Player of the Year for the third consecutive time, acknowledging his rising prominence in the sport.
A special highlight of the evening was the induction of Jens Eriksen into the BEC Hall of Fame. Eriksen with two All England gold medals adorning his remarkable career, alongside the prestigious Olympic bronze and several European Championships.
Here is the full list of Award winners:
BEC Male Player of the Year
Kim Astrup and Anders Skaarup Rasmussen, Denmark
BEC Female Player of the Year
Carolina Marin, Spain
BEC Young Player of the Year
Alex Lanier, France
BEC Senior Player of the Year
Jan-Eric Antonsson, Sweden
BEC Para Badminton Player of the Year
Man-Kei To, Belgium
European Fan Player of the Year
Helle Sofie Sagøy, Norway
BEC Coach of the Year
Thomas Stavngaard, Denmark
BEC Social Media Award
Aapo Puhakka, Finland
BEC Shot of the Year
Jan Colin Völker, Germany
BEC Technical Official Award
Bjarne and Birgit Eriksen, Denmark
BEC Hall of Fame
Jens Eriksen, Denmark
This year’s BEC Gala Award Panel was formed by President of Badminton Europe Sven Serré, Chair of the BEC Events Committee Renna Unt, General Secretary of Badminton Europe Brian Agerbak, Chair of the BEC Athletes’ Commission Kai Schäfer, and author, badminton commentator, and former Communication Manager at BEC Rasmus Bech.