New Delhi, April 7 (NationPress) The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is deeply saddened by the loss of its former president and honorary life vice president, Craig Reedie, who passed away on Monday at the age of 84.

Craig Reedie was also an honorary member and past vice president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), where he established himself as a pivotal figure in the governance of global sports.

His illustrious career included numerous influential positions, such as President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), Chair of the British Olympic Association, Vice President of the European Badminton Union, and President of the Scottish Badminton Union. He left an indelible mark on the sporting landscape.

BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul commended Sir Craig for his significant contributions to the growth and legacy of badminton.

“Sir Craig was instrumental in bringing badminton into the Olympic fold. As President of the IBF (now BWF), he advocated for our sport's inclusion in the Olympic program, culminating in its debut at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Every badminton athlete who has graced an Olympic venue owes a debt of gratitude to Sir Craig Reedie. He remained a steadfast advocate for badminton long after his presidency, always ready to support and champion our sport within the IOC,” she stated.

Reflecting the sentiments of the global badminton community, Leeswadtrakul added, “Words cannot capture our sorrow. Sir Craig gave badminton a voice on the Olympic stage. Though that voice is now silent, his legacy will endure. Rest in peace, dear Sir Craig. We will cherish your contributions with love and appreciation.”

Before his administrative roles, Craig was an accomplished badminton player, representing both Scotland and Great Britain. He became involved with the Scottish Badminton Union (now Badminton Scotland), where he organized the World Invitation tournaments in Glasgow from 1960 to 1976, significantly raising the sport's profile.

Craig also served the European Badminton Union (now Badminton Europe) and the IBF. In 1981, at the age of 40, he became the youngest President of the IBF in history. As a visionary, he navigated the Federation through a critical period, averting an internal schism and facilitating badminton's recognition as an Olympic sport, a status confirmed by the IOC in 1985.

He personally advocated for badminton's Olympic inclusion by engaging with IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch and inviting him to the 1983 IBF World Championships final. Samaranch's support was pivotal in badminton's entry into the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

Sir Craig's business acumen transformed the sport, ushering in a professional era that allowed players to retain prize money and launching the World Grand Prix circuit, a forerunner to today's BWF World Tour.

After becoming an IOC Member in 1994, Sir Craig played a vital role in the Olympic Movement. From 2005 to 2012, he served as a Director for the London 2012 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.