PATTAYA, THAILAND – Pattaya officially opened the “Kizuna Pattaya International Badminton Sawasdee Cup 2025” on Friday, reaffirming its role as a host city for top-level international sports events.
Opening ceremony in Chonburi sports center
The ceremony took place at the Eastern National Sports Training Center in Chonburi province, chaired by Kor Tapp Rangsi, former president of the Badminton World Federation (BWF). Pattaya Mayor Poramese Ngampichet, senior city officials and Ryosuke Abe, president of the sponsoring company, also attended. Abe welcomed athletes and guests and emphasized the tournament’s significance for international badminton.
Event aims to drive sports tourism and local economy
The tournament was scheduled to run from 21 to 23 November 2025 for the twelfth time, jointly organized by Pattaya City and the FYC Badminton Club together with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). According to the city, the goal was to strengthen sports tourism, stimulate the local economy and reinforce Pattaya’s position as a leading “Sports City.” The event was also intended to support long-term, sustainable development in the field of sports tourism.
Mayor highlights strategic importance
“This tournament shows Pattaya’s full ability to host international sporting events at world level. It not only strengthens the local economy, but also global confidence in Pattaya as a first-class travel destination.”
said Poramese Ngampichet, mayor of Pattaya.
“We are pleased to welcome athletes and visitors and hope that everyone will have an unforgettable experience in our city.”
said Poramese Ngampichet, mayor of Pattaya.
High-calibre international field
The competition covered all Olympic disciplines, including men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, mixed doubles and youth categories. A strong international field from Asia was registered, featuring Tan Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet of Hong Kong, mixed doubles champions at the Badminton Asia Championships 2025, and Hong Kong’s Lee Cheuk Yiu, currently number 18 in the world rankings. Japan’s Wakana Nagahara, women’s doubles world champion in 2018–2019, top athletes from China and Korea, and Thailand’s badminton legend Boonsak Ponsana were also listed.
Focus on world champion Kulwut Vitidsarn
A particular focus this year was on “View” Kulwut Vitidsarn, reigning men’s singles world champion and a national crowd favourite. His participation underscored the tournament’s importance in the international calendar. Fans were able to watch these world-class players from close range.
Matches staged in Pattaya indoor arena
The matches took place at the Indoor Athletics Stadium in Pattaya over three days from 21 to 23 November 2025. Organizers expected that international visitor flows would further boost the hotel, restaurant and service sectors in Pattaya. The event was promoted by the Public Relations Division of the Bureau of Tourism and Sports, Pattaya City, based on information from The Pattaya News.