Tensions are beginning to rise as we edge closer to the 2025 European Badminton Championships. The draws have now been released, and fans can finally dive into the matchups that could define the fate of Europe’s top badminton stars.
The 2025 European Championships will take place in Forum Horsens, Denmark, from April 7th to 13th. The draws were conducted earlier today at the BEC Office in Brøndby, Denmark.
Women’s Singles: Who will rise?
For the first time since 2013, Carolina Marin’s name is missing from the draw, leaving the women’s singles title wide open. A host of talented players are ready to step into the spotlight, including Denmark’s Mia Blichfeldt, Scotland’s Kirsty Gilmour, Ukraine’s Polina Buhrova, and Denmark’s Line Kjærsfeldt.
Key early matchups include Keisha Fatimah Az Zahra (AZE) vs. Yvonne Li (GER), a clash that promises to test both players. Another standout second-round battle sees Bulgaria’s 2X European Junior Champion Kaloyana Nalbantova take on Turkey’s Neslihan Arin, both eager to make a deep run.
Danish Men’s Doubles Showdowns
The men’s doubles draw looks like a Danish derby in the making. The top-seeded pair Kim Astrup / Anders Rasmussen are on course for an intense third-round meeting with their compatriots Daniel Lundgaard / Mads Vestergaard [6].
Meanwhile, the third-seeded duo Rasmus Kjær / Frederik Søgaard could face fellow Danes Andreas Søndergaard / Jesper Toft [5] — a matchup that promises fireworks. Danish Head Coach Thomas Stavngaard expressed his frustration with the draw:
“It’s always disappointing when our own pairs meet so early. We’d much rather face the other top teams in Europe than each other. Having four pairs lined up for internal battles in the quarters is tough — it’s 50/50 chances, and honestly, it couldn’t have been worse,” Stavngaard explained to Badminton Denmark.
Despite the tricky draw, he remains optimistic that Denmark’s stars can push through: “Most of our players have manageable paths to the quarterfinals. It’s in the later stages where things get really tough.”
Women’s Doubles: New Partnerships and Familiar Favorites
With defending champions Margot Lambert / Anne Tran unable to defend their title due to Tran’s ongoing injury, Lambert is pairing up with European Junior Women’s Doubles Champion Camille Pognante.
The favorites for gold, however, remain Gabriella / Stefani Stoeva [1], the four-time European champions from Bulgaria. Other strong contenders include Buhrova / Kantemyr [2] from Ukraine, who recently placed second at the HYLO Open 2024, Scotland’s Ciara Torrance / Julie Macpherson [3], and Denmark’s Maiken Fruergaard /Natasja P. Anthonisen [6]. Fruergaard has announced this will be her final international tournament — a farewell that could spark an emotional run for the podium.
Mixed Doubles: Champions Under Pressure
Mixed doubles promises high drama, with reigning champions Delphine Delrue / Thom Gicquel [1] facing a tough road. The French duo has already suffered two recent losses to Denmark’s Jesper Toft /Amalie Magelund [2], who are hungry to claim the crown.
A dark horse pair to watch is the newly-formed Alexandra Bøje / Robin Tabeling [5]. Fresh off their triumph at the German Open, they’ll likely clash with Delrue / Gicquel in the third round — assuming no major upsets shake up the draw beforehand.
With so many exciting matchups and storylines brewing, the 2025 European Championships are shaping up to be unforgettable. Who will rise to the occasion, and who will fall short? One thing is certain — Horsens is ready to witness Europe’s badminton elite battle for glory.