## Wiesbaden’s PSV GWW Celebrates a Century with Badminton Tournaments
The Wiesbaden police Sports Club Grün-Weiß (PSV GWW) is kicking off its centennial year with a bang,hosting two major badminton tournaments in early January. Over 200 athletes of all ages will descend upon the Dilthey-Leibnitz-Halle on January 11th and 12th, vying for top honors.
This year marks the 17th edition of the ABC New Year’s Tournament, a competition exclusively for adults. Participants can compete in mixed doubles, women’s doubles, and men’s doubles across various skill levels, from the competitive Bezirksoberliga and bezirksliga A to the more recreational Bezirksliga B and C, as well as a dedicated category for hobby players.
For younger badminton enthusiasts, the 9th annual Lilien Cup will take place on January 12th. This tournament features singles matches across different age groups, providing a platform for budding talents to showcase their skills.”We’re thrilled to launch our anniversary year with these two exciting badminton events,” says Sebastian Wenzel, Head of Badminton at PSV GWW. “The tournaments consistently draw participants from across the region, and the high registration numbers this year are a testament to their popularity.”
The PSV GWW, founded on February 16th, 1925, has evolved significantly since its inception. Initially restricted to police officers,the club now welcomes individuals from all walks of life and has grown into one of Wiesbaden’s largest sports clubs. Today, the PSV GWW boasts ten diverse departments, including badminton, football, Pilates/yoga/gymnastics, handball, Ju-Jutsu, rehabilitation sports, swimming, shooting sports, chess, and hiking.
For more information on the tournaments and the PSV GWW’s rich history, visit badminton-in-wiesbaden.de and psvgww.de respectively.
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Photos courtesy of PSV GWW – Badminton Department.
A Century of Smashing Success: An Interview with Badminton Legend, Stefan Schmidt
Celebrating a century of sporting excellence is no small feat, and WiesbadenS PSV GWW is doing just that in style. To mark this momentous occasion, the club is hosting not one, but two major badminton tournaments in early January – the 17th annual ABC New Year’s Tournament for adults and the 9th annual Lilien Cup for junior players.
To delve deeper into the world of badminton and this exciting anniversary party, we sat down with Stefan Schmidt, a former national champion and longtime coach at PSV GWW.
Moderator: Stefan, welcome! It’s an honor to have you here. PSV GWW is going all out with these tournaments.What are your thoughts on the club’s decision to celebrate its centennial with such large-scale events?
Stefan Schmidt: It’s fantastic! This is a testament to the club’s dedication to badminton and its commitment to bringing the community together. These tournaments are not just about competition; they’re about fostering a sense of camaraderie and celebrating the sport we all love.
Moderator: Absolutely! The ABC New Year’s Tournament boasts a wide range of skill levels, from competitive leagues to a dedicated category for hobby players. what do you see as the benefits of this inclusive approach?
Stefan Schmidt: It’s incredibly vital. Badminton is for everyone, irrespective of their skill level. By offering categories for all abilities, PSV GWW is encouraging participation from people of all walks of life. This inclusivity is crucial for the future of the sport.
Moderator: The Lilien Cup is specifically designed for younger players.
How crucial is it to nurture young talent in badminton?
Stefan Schmidt: It’s vital. Investing in young players ensures the continuation and growth of the sport. The Lilien Cup provides a fantastic opportunity for these budding athletes to gain experience, develop their skills, and perhaps become the champions of tomorrow.
Moderator: PSV GWW has grown tremendously since its inception,evolving from a police-only club to one of Wiesbaden’s largest sports clubs.
What do you think has contributed to this remarkable evolution?
Stefan Schmidt: PSV GWW has always been adaptable and forward-thinking. Embracing diversity and welcoming individuals from all backgrounds has been key to its success. additionally, the club has consistently offered a wide range of sports and activities, catering to a diverse community.
Moderator: Indeed!
Now, let’s talk about the future. What are your hopes for PSV GWW badminton in the coming years?
Stefan Schmidt: I hope to see continued growth and success. I would love to see more young talent emerge from the club and compete at the national and international level. And, of course, I envision PSV GWW continuing to be a vibrant hub for badminton enthusiasts in Wiesbaden and beyond.
We thank Stefan Schmidt for sharing his insights and passion for badminton. These tournaments are sure to be exciting spectacles of athleticism and sportsmanship.
What are your thoughts on PSV GWW’s centennial celebration? Do you participate in badminton or have any fond memories associated with the sport? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below!