Asuncion sees badminton renaissance

MANILA, Philippines — Kennie Asuncion, along with her brother and then mixed doubles partner Kennevic, was there and personally witnessed the Philippines enjoying a badminton boom around two decades ago.

Now a Philippine Badminton Association project director, Asuncion is optimistic of a renaissance as the country has secured a third hosting of an international event – the third and current one being the Philippine Junior International Challenge.

“It’s a very exciting time for Philippine badminton, all of us are very excited because we might see talents that we didn’t see before,” said Asuncion during yesterday’s event launch at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong.

This junior meet for Under-19 and Under-15 players will see the participation of about 32 countries including powerhouses Malaysia, Indonesia and a fast-emerging India starting today and until Sunday at Gameville Central Park.

It will be the third international competition PBAD is staging following the highly successful Philippine Open last June and the Philippine International Challenge a couple of days back.

“We wanted to showcase Filipino badminton players are world-class and also show the country what world-class badminton is through these tournaments,” said PBAD secretary-general Shawntel Nicole Neito.

Also present in the event was PLDT first vice president and head of sports Jude Turcuato.