Despite not hosting any Badminton International event for such a long time, the hardworking Filipinos who showed what it takes be a good host and ensured a highly successful Sea Games last December, it is all systems go for the Badminton Asia Team Championships.
It does not matter that big names like China, Hong Kong China (men) and India (women) are not in Manila for the championships due to the coronavirus, the likes of Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and even Kazakhstan will showcase their badminton talent.
The courts at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum (next to the Philippines Sports Commission building is ready to watch the action on the first day on Tuesday – thanks to a team of "experts" who need mention.
From Badminton Asia came Chooi Weng Sheng (Senior Events Manager), Belle Ng (Events Executive) and newly appointed Chief Operation Officer Saw Chit Boon and locals Froi Endaya (Smash Filipinas), Philippines Badminton Association secretary-general Christopher Quimpo and Badminton Asia's chair Bambang Rudy Roedyanto (popularly known as Pak Rudy).
Also not forgetting Eric Annah whose anxiety was put to rest when he got his scoring system going – after several disappointing datelines – much to the delight to the tournament organizers, including the sponsors and the ever-willing and smiling volunteers from all walks of life.
The hosting of the Badminton Asia Team Championships is set to create a new wave in the shuttle sport in this basketball mad country.
