Historic Singapore Badminton Stadium Reopens as KFF Badminton Arena

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The historic Singapore Badminton Stadium at Guillemard reopened as the KFF Badminton Arena on Saturday (Sep 6), having been transformed into a modern community hub with 12 courts and a 1,300-seater hall.

Opened in 1952, the Guillemard stadium has hosted badminton’s premier events, including the Thomas Cup (1955, 1958) and the 1983 SEA Games, where Wong Shoon Keat won Singapore’s sole men’s singles badminton gold.

Former Singapore shuttler Derek Wong back on court for an exhibition 3v3 match – Photo: Clement Choo (Grandstand)

Wong’s son, two-time Olympian Derek Wong, who attended the opening, said, “My father and I trained at Guillemard while representing Singapore on the national team. We spent many years of our lives on these courts, and now we can come back for games with friends.”

“I’m glad to see the space rejuvenated today with cafes, a spa and a 24-hour gym – facilities we never had back then. It’s a nostalgic feeling to see young and aspiring players training in the same hall I grew up in.”

The arena was officially opened by Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) president Grace Fu, before 200 guests, including current and former national shuttlers such as Wong, Commonwealth Games medallist Li Li, SEA Games medallist Kendrick Lee and 2021 world champion Loh Kean Yew.

Past & present Singapore badminton stars such as Li Li, Terry Hee at the opening of the KFF Badminton Arena – Photo: Clement Choo (Grandstand)

The venue will be a boost to the local badminton fraternity as the courts are available for public and corporate bookings, and include amenities such as food and beverage outlets, a 24-hour gym, spa and a Li-Ning sporting apparel store.

Singapore Badminton Association (SBA) president Lawrence Leow said the new arena would play a vital role in growing the sport at the grassroots.

The opening ceremony officiated by Minister Grace Fu – Photo: Clement Choo (Grandstand)

“This is a momentous occasion. Infrastructure and facilities form the backbone of badminton development in Singapore. I’m confident that this new hub will bring families together to eat, play, exercise and relax, and become a vibrant space for the community for years to come.”

Named after the Karim Family Foundation, the arena’s revitalisation was made possible by the foundation’s donation.

KFF lead principal Cindy Karim said, “Generations of homegrown badminton stars have spent years training and toiling on the Guillemard courts. We hope budding talents today will be inspired as they look up at billboards of the champions who came before them, and chart their own course to be the sporting heroes of tomorrow.”