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Big-Time Sponsor Signs On For Major International Event

Tuesday 15 March 2011, 4:13PM

By Dave Worsley

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NORTH SHORE CITY

The New Zealand Badminton International in 2011 is expected to be one of the best yet with the confirmation that a naming-rights sponsor has been secured for the Thursday 31 March – Sunday 3 April event to be held at the North Shore Events Centre.

The endorsement of world-wide apparel and equipment company, Li-Ning for the 2011 Li-Ning New Zealand International is just the beginning of a new two-year sponsorship between the world-wide apparel giant and Badminton New Zealand.

The relationship guarantees Badminton New Zealand will host a US$15,000 event this year and a Grand Prix status tournament (US$50,000) in 2012. The 2012 event will fall at the end of the Olympic qualifying period and therefore should attract an even larger player entry with the goal of chasing crucial Olympic qualifying points.

Li-Ning is one of the world’s leading sports brands and currently sponsors the strong Chinese and Singapore national badminton teams as well as world and Olympic champion Lin Dan and other top players such as Wang Yihan (China, currently world No2 women’s singles) and Boonsak Ponsana (Thailand).

Li-Ning are fully committed to supporting international sports events and the New Zealand International is the latest inclusion in their tournament sponsorships for 2011.

The two-year involvement also includes sponsorship of the New Zealand National Squad.

“This is a great boost for the badminton community in New Zealand. To not only have the support of a world-leading organisation like Li-Ning with our international event, but also for our national squad players is a huge boost. The next two years are going to be exciting for our players and events,” said Badminton New Zealand Chief Executive Nicki Martin.

The Li-Ning New Zealand International will be held 31 March – 3 April at the North Shore Events Centre with the qualifying events on 30 March at Badminton North Harbour.

It is expected that over 25 nations, including some of the world’s best badminton countries will confirm their entries in the next couple of days. Already there is interest from top 20 players.

New Zealand entrants will be warming up for the Li-Ning NZ International by taking part in the large draw at the Four Winds New Zealand National Championships this weekend 18-20 at Badminton North Harbour.

The full list of entries will be released later this week.