Suara.com – The Thomas and Uber Cups have become one of the most prestigious team badminton championships in the world. The Thomas and Uber Cups took place for the first time since 1949. So what is the history of the use of the Thomas and Uber names for the event that takes place every two years?
Apparently, the names Thomas and Uber were taken from the badminton world legend. For Thomas, this name is taken from the first president of the International Badminton Federation (BWF), namely Sir George Alan Thomas.
Before becoming president, Sir George Alan Thomas was a former English athlete.
Throughout his career as a badminton player, Sir George won four consecutive All England titles, most notably in the 1903-1927 edition.
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After nine years of career, Sir George donated a trophy made by artisans named Atkin Bros.
The 28cm high trophy was also decorated with an engraving that reads; “The International Badminton Championship Cup presented to the International Badminton Federation by Sir George Thomas, Bart, 1939”.
Initially, the Thomas Cup was first held in 1949 in Preston, Lancashire, England, followed by 10 participating countries.
These are Denmark, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Bosnia, France, United States, India, Sweden and Malaysia.
However, in the history of the Thomas Cup, only five countries have won the title. The five countries are China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan and Denmark.
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The origin of the Uber Cup name is taken from a female badminton legend named Betty Uber.
The Uber Cup is a women’s badminton team championship that was first held in 1956. Initially, this championship was held every three years.
However, from 1984 the Uber Cup was held in conjunction with the Thomas Cup. So far, the championship takes place every two years.
During the inaugural edition of the Uber Cup which took place in Lancashire. England, the United States badminton team became successful champions. In the final, the United States beat Denmark.
To date, the Thomas and Uber Cup championships have 12 competitors each, including the defending champions and hosts.
The last two competitors will immediately qualify for the final without having to undergo a qualifying round.
Each participating team will be made up of five people / pairs, namely three singles and two doubles.
[Muh Adif Setiawan]
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