Sir Craig Reedie, the former president of the Badminton World Federation (BWF), known as a key figure behind the inclusion of badminton in the Olympic program, died at the age of 84 on Tuesday.
In its official statement, the BWF expressed its deep condolences for the passing of Reedie, who also served as BWF Honorary Vice President for Life and was remembered as an influential figure in global sports governance, including through his roles at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
"Sir Craig was the man who opened the Olympic doors for badminton. As President of the IBF (now BWF), he championed the inclusion of badminton in the Olympic program, and it became a reality at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics," said BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul.
He added that Reedie's contribution did not stop after his term ended, as he remained an active figure providing insights and support for the development of badminton at the international level.
"Every badminton player who has ever competed in the Olympics bears the imprint of Sir Craig's contributions. He was always ready to offer advice and support for the sport," he said.
Before becoming a sports administrator, Reedie was a badminton athlete who represented Scotland and Great Britain in various international competitions. After retiring as an athlete, he was active in the management of the Scottish Badminton Federation and played a role in organizing several international tournaments that helped raise the profile of badminton.
