SAIPAN, NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS — Badminton Oceania (BOC) and the Northern Marianas Badminton Association (NMBA) confirm that all scheduled international tournaments in the Northern Mariana Islands this July and August will proceed as planned.
The YONEX Northern Marianas Open 2026, CROWNE PLAZA Saipan International 2026, and CROWNE PLAZA Oceania Masters in Paradise 2026 will all go ahead with no changes to format, location, or schedule.
The Northern Mariana Islands (NMI) is currently recovering from Typhoon Sinlaku, a Category 4 storm that made landfall on NMI last April 14. While the storm caused widespread damage to infrastructure and residential areas, coordinated support from the United States federal government and local agencies has accelerated recovery efforts across the islands.
Rebuilding efforts are progressing steadily each week, and both NMBA and BOC are confident of the NMI’s readiness to safely host athletes, officials, and visitors from early July.
Key infrastructure continues to be restored, with competition and training venues assessed and progressing toward full readiness ahead of July. All airlines that serviced Saipan prior to the typhoon will resume flights prior to the first tournament — United Airlines, Philippines Airlines, Jeju Air, and Hong Kong Airlines. The Crowne Plaza Resort is fully operational and ready to host players and officials.
Merlie Tolentino, NMBA President, said the community has demonstrated resilience and unity in the aftermath of the storm.
“In the weeks following Typhoon Sinlaku, our community has shown outstanding resolve and determination, supported by close coordination from local stakeholders and federal agencies. The progress we’ve made across the island reflects the strength of that collective effort, and we are confident in our readiness to welcome international players, officials, and visitors to Saipan in July.”
BOC Secretary General Julie Carrel acknowledged the effort behind the recovery and the role of the tournaments moving forward.
“The Northern Marianas community has shown extraordinary resilience over the past month. We recognise the tireless work of NMBA and local leaders, particularly President Merlie Tolentino, in bringing together all stakeholders to enable the tournaments to go ahead,” she said. “While these tournaments mark the return of international sport, we are committed to working alongside the local community during our time on the island, supporting initiatives that contribute positively to recovery beyond the badminton court.”
The following events will proceed as scheduled:
- YONEX Northern Marianas Open 2026 (14 – 19 July 2026)
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CROWNE PLAZA Saipan International 2026 (21 – 25 July 2026)
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CROWNE PLAZA Oceania Masters in Paradise 2026 (29 July – 4 August 2026)
The two Grade Three tournaments continue to accept entries, with athletes from more than 10 countries already confirmed. Both events offer valuable BWF World Ranking points and key opportunities for players to build momentum into the second half of the season. Entries for the YONEX Northern Marianas Open will close on Tuesday 16 June.
Entries for the CROWNE PLAZA Oceania Masters in Paradise 2026 will also reopen, giving players the opportunity to be part of the return of international badminton to Saipan while supporting the CNMI community’s ongoing recovery.
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