Junior shuttlers start hunt

The national badminton team vows to put on a show when it competes in the Philippine Junior International Series starting today at the Gameville Central Park in Pasig City.

Philippine Badminton Association program director Kennie Asuncion said competing against the best young talents in the region will be another step forward for the program's development.

The Philippine Junior International Series will run until Sunday, where the best players will showcase their wares.

"It's a very, very good opportunity for all the Filipino junior players. This time, we're bringing together junior athletes from across the country,” Asuncion said.

"Developing a team and developing players take time. We ask for everyone's patience and continued support because it's not easy to produce a champion.”

Around 30 countries will participate in the prestigious competition, with the Philippines fielding more than 100 delegates.

National team coach Philip Joper Escueta said they are making the most of the opportunity to host the tournament to ensure that more athletes will be able to compete against high-level shuttlers.

"It's very important because not all junior players can compete in international tournaments abroad. This gives us a chance to identify players with potential whom we can eventually develop for the senior national team,” Escueta said.

"The future is truly bright for Philippine badminton, especially at the junior level. We have a bright future because we have a lot of talented players."