In December 2007, the BWF Council decided to establish an Athletes Commission with one of its members having voting rights on the BWF Council.

For some time a representative of the Badminton Players Federation (BPF) has participated in BWF Council and Committee meetings, however the new Athletes Commission will mean a new representative body in the BWF for players and a voting voice at Council.

This is an important step and recognises the important role of athletes in the sport. The establishing of the Athletes Commission requires minor changes to the Badminton Players Federation Constitution and Member approval at the AGM in Jakarta in May.

It is expected that if all the changes are progressed, the players’ representative to the Council will be in place after the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

The Commission will comprise three Members elected by BPF Members and two players elected by the badminton Olympic Athletes at Beijing.