Hi, I know there is already a thread on the IOC cutting sports (http://www.badmintoncentral.com/for...-IOC-is-in-meeting-some-sports-may-be-dropped) but that thread did not discuss how badminton survived being cut from the Olympics, despite the biggest scandal in Badminton's history.
I'm guessing there are several reasons why badminton has survived the IOC cut:
1) It does bring in a lot of viewers, especially from Asia. They estimated that 20% of the world's population tuned in to watch the LD vs LCW finals: http://www.london2012.com/news/articles/round-badminton-tournament-serves-treat.html
I don't really trust the 20% estimate very much, but for sure, a lot of viewers from China and Malaysia tuned in.
2) The Asian clout at the IOC is probably pushing for badminton to stay.
3) I'm guessing Badminton has some support from European countries. Denmark is probably the strongest supporter of badminton. Next is probably Great Britain (especially after Nathan Robertson/Gail Emms got silver) and Germany.
4) Badminton probably brings in a little revenue now, but maybe the IOC recognizes badminton will bring in more revenue in the future, especially with China's economy developing.
My guess is, if badminton can survive another 10 years at the Olympics, it will become a large enough revenue generator at the Olympics, it won't be considered for removal anymore. The reason is China (and other growing Asian economies) will dump more money into badminton and there will come a point where the IOC will become too addicted to the revenue generated from badminton to cut it.
What do you guys and gals think? Will badminton be reconsidered for the 2024 Olympics in four years time or is badminton's status at the Olympics safe for the next 20 years?
I'm guessing there are several reasons why badminton has survived the IOC cut:
1) It does bring in a lot of viewers, especially from Asia. They estimated that 20% of the world's population tuned in to watch the LD vs LCW finals: http://www.london2012.com/news/articles/round-badminton-tournament-serves-treat.html
I don't really trust the 20% estimate very much, but for sure, a lot of viewers from China and Malaysia tuned in.
2) The Asian clout at the IOC is probably pushing for badminton to stay.
3) I'm guessing Badminton has some support from European countries. Denmark is probably the strongest supporter of badminton. Next is probably Great Britain (especially after Nathan Robertson/Gail Emms got silver) and Germany.
4) Badminton probably brings in a little revenue now, but maybe the IOC recognizes badminton will bring in more revenue in the future, especially with China's economy developing.
My guess is, if badminton can survive another 10 years at the Olympics, it will become a large enough revenue generator at the Olympics, it won't be considered for removal anymore. The reason is China (and other growing Asian economies) will dump more money into badminton and there will come a point where the IOC will become too addicted to the revenue generated from badminton to cut it.
What do you guys and gals think? Will badminton be reconsidered for the 2024 Olympics in four years time or is badminton's status at the Olympics safe for the next 20 years?