MVP, Badminton Asia execs explore badminton development in PH

Badminton Asia executives meet with PLDT and Smart executives led by Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan to explore collaboration for badminton development in the Philippines.

PLDT Inc., Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and Badminton Asia plan to work together to help advance badminton in the Philippines.

In a recent meeting, Badminton Asia President Kim Jong Soo, Chief Operating Officer Chooi Weng Sheng, and Marketing Chair Bambang “Rudy” Roedyanto, along with other executives, met with PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan, PLDT and Smart Head of Sports Jude Turcuato, and Smart Go-to-Market and Subscriber Management Head Melvin Consunji Nubla. They explored possible future collaborations to help develop badminton in the Philippines.

“We are honored to collaborate with Badminton Asia as we take even bigger steps to promote Philippine badminton. We will continue to work with national sports agencies and partner organizations to give our smashers the best chance to bring glory to the country through badminton,” said Pangilinan, who also serves as the Philippine Badminton Association (PBAD) Chairman, and is an avid badminton player.

Driven by the belief that supporting and engaging in sports enable nation-building, the MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF) has sponsored numerous local and international tournaments such as the Badminton Asia Championships, the MVP Badminton Cup, among others. A long-time supporter of PBAD, the Foundation is also establishing the MVP Center for Sports Excellence in Antipolo, a training facility to support the national badminton team.

“We hope to open more doors and opportunities for Asian badminton athletes to play in international competitions, to further promote and improve the region’s capabilities to compete in the world stage,” said Kim.

PBAD has been working closely with Badminton Asia to further develop the sport in the country through various training programs for athletes, coaches, and technical officials. With the support of Smart and MVPSF, PBAD has also launched a strong grassroots initiative with the Junior National Ranking System and the Junior Regional Badminton Series - a ten-leg regional tournament to identify rising stars across the country.

Badminton Asia is the governing body of the badminton sport in Asia under the flagship of Badminton World Federation (BWF), represented by 43 member associations from five sub-regions across Asia.