Late on the evening of 4 August 2026, the Australian Bridge Federation (ABF) received the first official correspondence (Circular 1) regarding the 26th Asia Pacific Bridge Federation (APBF) Youth Championships, to be held from 23–28 September 2026 at the Ocean Flower Island International Convention Centre, Danzhou, Hainan, China.

This is the first correspondence the ABF has received regarding the event and, until now, it had not been formally included in the international calendar.

Given the exceptionally short notice period, the clash with the Australian Youth Triathlon, the proximity to the recently completed World Youth Championships, and the fact that participation was not included within the ABF’s approved 2026 youth budget, the ABF does not intend to send an official delegation to this event.

The ABF recognises, however, that some players may have both the interest and the means to attend. Accordingly, the ABF is prepared to consider ratification of self-organised teams. Subject to approval, the ABF will provide funding for team uniforms, entry fees; and travel insurance.

Eligibility Requirements

Applications will only be considered where:

• Teams consist of exactly six players.
• Every team supplies a Non-Playing Captain (NPC).
• Any player under 18 years of age is appropriately chaperoned in accordance with the ABF Youth Player policies.
• All players and NPCs agree to abide by the ABF International Representative Player Charter and all other applicable ABF policies.
• All players and NPCs are approved through the ABF ratification process.
• Beyond the costs of uniforms, entry fees and travel insurance, teams commit to self-funding all other costs associated with attending the championships.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted no later than 5:00 pm AEST on Friday, 14 August 2026 via the online application form at https://form.jotform.com/262161463641453

Where multiple applications are received, priority will be given to facilitating Australian representation across multiple age divisions wherever possible.

If competing applications are received for the same division, a three-person selection committee will be appointed by the ABF to make a final determination. The committee will consider:

• the information provided within each application;
• input from State and National Youth Coordinators (where available); and
• relevant masterpoint data and playing experience.

Applications close at 5.00pm AEST on Friday August 14th and will only be accepted through the official form at
https://form.jotform.com/262161463641453

Enquires should be directed to Laura Ginnan (ABF Youth Coordinator) at youth@abf.com.au and David Fryda (ABF Executive Director) david.fryda@abf.com.au

Posted in Latest News on August 7, 2026