History Of Thomas And Uber Cup

The Thomas Cup story began in England nearly 70 years ago when an English nobleman, having himself derived much pleasure from Badminton, decided to leave something for posterity. 

 

Thomas Cup

That man was the wealthy baronet of Yapton,Sir George Alan Thomas, after whom the cup is named. A leading player of the English Badminton scene for more than two decades, Sir George had between 1903 and 1927 won an impressive record number of All-England championships, including the singles titles for four successive years.

 Sir George Alan Thomas

Sir George has envisaged a world cup championship for Badminton similar to that for football, instituted in 1930. His idea was well received by the International Badminton Federation, IBF.

In 1939, Sir George presented to the IBF the handsome Cup, a shinning 28 inch gold-plated trophy hammered in silver. Engraved on the front of the Cup are the words, 'The International Badminton Championship Cup presented to the International Badminton Federation by Sir George Thomas, Bart., 1939'.

IBF

Due to world war two, it was not until 1948 that the first contest for the Thomas Cup could be launched. Initially, The Thomas Cup was played every three years. Since 1982, the Tournament has been every two years with a format of 3 singles and 2 doubles.

 Uber Cup

The Uber Cup, an international team competition for ladies on the lines of the Thomas Cup was first mooted early in 1950. Mrs H S Uber suggested and offered a trophy to the IBF but the competition was not considered at that time due to financial constraints.

Finally in 1953, the institution of the Uber Cup was agreed upon in principle. Mrs. Uber's kind offer was gratefully accepted and it was agreed that the inaugural contest should take place over 1956-57.

Designer Of Uber Cup

Mrs. Uber made the official presentation of her trophy at the annual General Meeting of the Federation of 1956 and she herself made the draw for the inaugural contest. The Uber Cup is a beautiful piece of silver of unusual design. Surmounted over a swiveling globe stands a lady player on a shuttle.

The trophy is 18 inches in height and was manufactured to Mrs. Uber own design by Messrs. Mappin & Webb, of London. Engraved around the base of the trophy are the words, 'The ladies International Badminton Championships Challenge Trophy presented to the International Badminton Federation by Mrs. H S Uber, 1956.'

Source: http://www.badminton-information.com/