Cook Islands is set to host the first ever AirBadminton competition in the Oceania region at the 2022 Beach Games which resumes this Friday.

The AirBadminton – one of the six sports in the annual games – will be held at The Edgewater Resort and Spa courts.

Badminton Cook Islands president Thomas Ngauru said: “This will be the first ever AirBadminton tournament in the region so it’s very exciting.”

According to Badminton Oceania, AirBadminton is the ambitious new development project from the Badminton World Federation designed to create opportunities for people of all ages and ability to play badminton on hard, grass and sand surfaces in parks, gardens, streets, playgrounds and beaches around the world

Given the diverse range of landscapes and stunning scenery offered across Oceania, the alternative version of the game is an exciting opportunity for players to get involved and enjoy the multiple health and social benefits of badminton, the regional body said.

AirBadminton was launched in 2019 after five years in the making, “starting with a vision to develop a new outdoor shuttlecock with increased durability, stability and wind resistance to allow people to have a more positive experience of badminton outdoors”.

The AirBadminton competition alongside beach volleyball was supposed to be held last week but got postponed to this weekend due to bad weather.

Ngauru said the participating 12 teams competing in two pools were excited to be the first in the region to play competitive AirBadminton.

“At the Beach Games they will be playing doubles and triples. It is a team event. They absolutely (had more time to prepare) but I think everyone was looking forward to (competing) last week.”

The beach volleyball competition will also start on Friday, at the Nikao beach courts.

Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee secretary general Owen Lewis earlier said these venues will be restricted to 100 people only as per the latest health measures implemented by the government.

“We are asking teams that aren’t playing to huddle somewhere else as the venue will be restricted to 100 people only. We also ask people to sign in and sanitise as well as bring their masks, although masks are not mandatory as its open venue but we will ask people to maintain safe distancing,” Lewis said.

Due to limitations on gatherings, CISNOC has cancelled the closing ceremony and cultural performances that were to be held on Saturday.

As an alternative CISNOC is asking that all captains of the medal winning teams be available at Nikao beach courts to collect their team medals and prize money at the completion of the volleyball tournament on Saturday at the following times – volleyball 4.25pm, badminton 4.35pm, football 4.45pm, basketball 4.55pm, touch rugby 5.05pm and handball 5.15pm.

Lewis said: “It’s a pity it has to finish this way, weather is something we cannot control and unfortunately with Covid, we are trying to follow all safety precautions to keep our country and ourselves safe.”