Japanese players in action during the Crowne Plaza Northern Marianas Open 2024 at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. High-level badminton tournaments return to NMI in August with the Northern Marianas Badminton Association hosting two Badminton World Federation-sanctioned events.
Contributed photo
(NMBA) — Top badminton players from across the globe are set to descend on the NMI for two high-level tournaments — the Crowne Plaza Northern Marianas Open 2025 and the Century Insurance Saipan International 2025.
These competitions will bring two thrilling weeks of world-class badminton to Saipan this August, welcoming elite athletes from around the world to compete in back-to-back international tournaments. The events are proudly hosted by the Northern Marianas Badminton Association, with assistance from Badminton Oceania. Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan and Century Insurance are the title sponsors, reaffirming their commitment to elevating international sport in the Northern Marianas. All matches will take place at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
The Crowne Plaza Northern Marianas Open 2025 will run from August 5 to 10, followed by the Century Insurance Saipan International from August 12 to 16. Both tournaments are sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation as part of the International Challenge Series, offering $17,500 in prize money each and valuable world ranking points.
Athletes from over 16 countries and jurisdictions are expected to participate, including top contenders from Asia, Pan-America, Europe, and Oceania. The tournaments will feature five disciplines: men’s and women’s singles, and men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles. More than 100 players and officials are expected to take part.
This marks the third consecutive year the NMI has hosted BWF-sanctioned tournaments, following successful editions in 2023 and 2024. The tournaments continue to strengthen the Northern Marianas’ presence on the global badminton map, provide players and spectators a closer look at high-level competitions, and support the island’s sports tourism campaign.
“We are proud to continue building Saipan’s reputation as a premier destination for international badminton,” said NMBA President Merlie Tolentino. “These events not only bring high-level sport to our community but also foster cultural exchange and development.”
Just last month, the NMBA also hosted a series of regional and international competitions, including the Victor Oceania Junior Championships 2025 (Mixed Team and Individual) and the Northern Marianas International.
All matches in next month’s tournaments are free and open to the public, with live streaming available on Badminton Oceania’s YouTube channel. For schedules, draws, and live updates, visit www.oceaniabadminton.org or follow @BadmintonOceania and @NMIBadminton on social media.
