The 2025 Sudirman Cup will take place in Xiamen from April 17 to May 4. As one of badminton’s most prestigious tournaments, the Sudirman Cup brings together the world’s top players, not for individual glory, but for national pride. This mixed-team championship is named in honor of Dick Sudirman, an Indonesian badminton legend who was instrumental in the sport’s development. Established in 1989, the tournament was created to celebrate his contributions to badminton.
The 2025 edition holds particular importance as it marks the tournament’s return to China, a nation that has consistently dominated the event since its inception. As both the host and the reigning champion, China will seek to defend their title after defeating Korea in the 2023 final.
The Chinese squad includes World Number 1 Shi Yu Qi, Olympic Champion Chen Yufei, and top players like Li Shifeng and Wang Zhiyi. Additionally, China’s doubles players hold top-five rankings across all categories.
The 2025 edition promises fierce competition, with many countries fielding stronger teams than ever before, all with the aim of challenging China’s long-standing dominance. This leads to one burning question:
Does the Sudirman Cup Offer Prize Money to Players?
No, the Sudirman Cup does not provide any official prize money. Since its inception in 1989, the tournament has upheld a tradition of not offering financial rewards, and no prize money has been announced by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) for the 2025 edition.
Players or teams do not receive direct cash payouts for winning or participating. The focus of the Sudirman Cup has always been on national pride, heritage, and honor, which is what continues to draw the sport’s biggest stars year after year.
Why Is It So Important?
The Sudirman Cup holds a special place in badminton history as one of the sport’s most iconic team events. In 1995, China made a legendary comeback in Lausanne to defeat Korea in a final that seemed almost lost. In 2017, India shocked Indonesia in the group stages, marking a significant moment in its rise as a competitive badminton nation.
Over the years, legends like Lin Dan, Taufik Hidayat, and Lee Chong Wei have all contributed to unforgettable Sudirman Cup moments.
China has won the title 13 times out of 18 editions. Other countries like Japan, Korea, and Indonesia have also delivered memorable performances.
What About Indian Players?
For Indian shuttlers, the Sudirman Cup is one of the most prestigious platforms to showcase their skills on the global stage. While the BWF doesn’t offer prize money, the Indian government and state associations often reward players with cash incentives and national recognition for strong performances. However, these rewards are performance-based and not standardized.
Additionally, the exposure and experience of competing against the world’s best players in high-pressure conditions make the Sudirman Cup crucial for rising Indian stars.
How Is It Different From Other Events?
In contrast to individual tournaments like the Indonesia Open, All England Open, and the BWF World Tour Finals—where prize money ranges from $140,000 to $2 million—the Sudirman Cup focuses on team play and national representation. Tournaments like the Thomas Cup, Uber Cup, and the Commonwealth Games team events also prioritize national pride over monetary gain. While these events are prestigious, they do not typically offer financial rewards.
What About the Olympics?
Even the Olympic Games follow a similar approach. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) does not provide prize money to medalists. Instead, it is up to individual countries to decide whether to offer financial rewards to their athletes.
In conclusion, while the Sudirman Cup doesn’t offer prize money, its prestige and significance in the badminton world remain unmatched. The 2025 edition is set to showcase the world’s top players, providing fans with an exciting spectacle.
