Events

Markham, ON – The 2024 YONEX Canadian International Challenge, the final major international badminton event in North America this year, will take place at the Markham Pan Am Centre from December 3-8, 2024.

 

"The City of Markham has become the badminton capital of Canada, with a number of clubs and facilities, where young people learn the skills they need to compete at the highest levels,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti “Hosting the YONEX Canadian International Challenge strengthens Markham’s position as a centre of excellence for the sport of Badminton. I encourage everyone to come out and enjoy this unique opportunity to watch international elite badminton players compete in our own backyard. Let’s cheer on our local players Michelle Li, Brian Yang, and the rest of the National Team".

 

This prestigious competition will feature elite athletes, including Canada’s own Brian Yang and other members of Team Canada, vying for a total prize purse of $15,000 USD. This is a unique opportunity to experience world-class badminton and support your favourite players live.

“We are excited to welcome the 2024 YONEX Canadian International Challenge back to the Markham Pan Am Centre,” said Bryan Merrett, Executive Director of Badminton Canada. “This event offers an exceptional platform for both Canadian and international athletes to compete in a BWF-sanctioned tournament, while badminton fans can witness top-tier competition. We encourage local fans to attend and cheer on our National Team members, such as Brian Yang and Michelle Li. Be sure to secure your tickets for this unforgettable week of sport.”

 

Community Legacy

In alignment with our commitment to fostering community engagement and inspiring youth, Badminton Canada is proud to offer the Shuttle Time curriculum. This program is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of badminton, covering basic movements, rules, and skill development. Instruction will be led by Rachel Honderich, a former Olympian from the Tokyo 2020 Games.

This program will be offered at no cost to elementary public schools in the Markham. It will provide a valuable opportunity for students to explore badminton in a fun and engaging manner, with all necessary equipment, including rackets, shuttles, and nets, provided.

 

Event Overview

The YONEX Canadian International Challenge is one of the most esteemed badminton tournaments in North America and a key fixture on the Badminton World Federation (BWF) calendar. The 2024 edition will see top players from around the world compete in a series of high-stakes matches.

“Hosting major sporting events like the 2024 Yonex Canadian International Challenge in Ontario gives our athletes a chance to compete against the very best from around the world, right here on home soil,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “Our government’s investments through the Sport Hosting Program are helping to attract world-class competitions like this to our province, which create jobs, boost our economy, and reinforce Ontario’s status as a premier destination for sporting events.”

 

Notable International Athletes

The 2024 event will feature over 200 athletes competing in five categories: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. Notable competitors include:

• Men’s Singles: Brian Yang, Victor Lai (Canada), and Jonathan Matias (Brazil)
• Women’s Singles: Michelle Li, Rachel Chan (Canada), and Juliana Viana (Brazil)
• Men’s Doubles: Kevin Lee & Ty Alexander Lindeman (Canada), Presley Smith & Chen Zhi Yi (USA), Matheus Voigt & Izak Batalha (Brazil)
• Women’s Doubles: Crystal Lai & Jackie Dent (Canada), Allison Lee & Lauren Lam (USA), Samia Lima & Jaqueline Lima (Brazil)
• Mixed Doubles: Kevin Lee & Eliana Zhang (Canada), Fabricio Farias & Jaqueline Lima (Brazil), Jonathan Lai & Crystal Lai (Canada)

Athletes from 21 countries, including Brazil, Canada, the United States, France, Peru, Singapore, Australia, Germany, and more, will compete in what promises to be an exhilarating display of international badminton talent.

 

Ticket Information

Tickets for the 2024 YONEX Canadian International Challenge are now available at: https://www.canadianinternationalchallenge.com/fan-zone. Spectators can choose from the following options:

• Daily Pass: Access for any single day of the competition
• All-Event Pass: Full access to the entire event, from December 3 to 8

Special promotions and discount codes will be available for partners and select communities during the ticket sales period. Purchase your tickets today!

 

New Kids Day – December 4

On Wednesday, December 4, enjoy free admission for children aged 18 and under. No advance ticket is required. This is a fantastic opportunity for young fans to experience the excitement of world-class badminton.

For other event days (December 3, 5, 6, 7, and 8), $5 Daily Passes are available for children aged 12 and under.

We look forward to welcoming badminton fans from across the region to this thrilling international competition.