World?s No.1 Badminton brand YONEX and its international Distributor for South East Asia including India, Sunrise & Co. Pte Ltd have come together to present the first ever BWF World Championship 2009 at Hyderabad to take place between August 10th-16th. Organized by the Badminton World Federation and Badminton Association Of India in association with YONEX-SUNRISE, this is the first time ever for India to be hosting a World Championship event for an Olympic sport in over 20 years! Amongst the leading international badminton players Taufik Hidayat (Indonesia), Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia), Peter Gade (Denmark), the Indian Badminton sensation Saina Nehwal will also be participating in the tournament. It will see approximately 500 participants from 45 countries such as India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Denmark, Japan, China, Sweden, Vietnam, England, Korea, France, Austria, Belgium, Thailand etc. competing for the top honors.

Says Mr. V. K. Verma, President, Badminton Association of India, ?It is a privilege for us to be organizing the World Championship and indeed a great landmark event for it to be held in India. Yonex, the World?s No.1 badminton brand has a major role in promoting and fostering talent in the sport internationally and it is only with their support and contribution together with the participation of Sunrise Sports that this huge opportunity has been made possible.? Mr. Verma also acknowledges significant support received from the Ministry of Sports, Government of India In promoting this event.

Mr. D. K. Seth, MD, Sunrise & Co. (PTE) Ltd, said, ?The World Championship is a tournament where the best players of the world get to compete for the ultimate honor and being associated with such an event is a matter of pride for us. We strongly believe in providing the best equipment and support for nurturing young talent in badminton and this year?s BWF World Championship 2009 will be a great platform for some of them to showcase their talent in an international arena. Team India will be coached by the veteran badminton player, Pulella Gopichand and we are eagerly looking forward to seeing some super performances!?

The draws for the YONEX Sunrise World Championship 2009 will be announced on 21st July, 2009 at Hotel Taj Palace in the presence of Dr.M.S.Gill – Sports Minister of India, Mr. Suresh Kalmadi-President, Indian Olympic Association, Mr. Mike Fennell?President, Commonwealth Games Federation, Ms. Sindhushree Khullar Secretary (Ministry of Sports), Mr. Paisan Rangsikitpho, Deputy President, Badminton World Federation and Mr.D.K.Seth- Managing Director Sunrise & Co, Pte Ltd. and Mr.V.K.Verma-President Badminton Association of India. The draws will be announced for the following categories:

1. Men?s singles

2. Women?s singles

3. Men?s doubles

4. Women?s doubles

5. Mixed doubles