Badminton in the Philippines

In Philippines, it was in the 1920 when British and American expatriates introduced badminton in
the country. As early as 1950's, the International Badminton Federation (IBF) recognized the Philippines
as its 21st member country. Since then, Filipino's have been playing badminton in international
tournaments. In 1949 national rankings produced Adriano Torres, first national Men's single champion. In
1952, the Philippine Badminton Association (PBA) was created and became the first national badminton
group, organized by 28 badminton clubs. Johnny Yan and Stephen Cheng were the countries first doubles
champions at the Hong Kong Open held on 1962. In the 1966 Triagular Meet in Vietnam, the Philippine
team achieved its first team championship in the Men's division namely Amando Yanga, Conrado Co,
Jaime Gapas, Renato Navarro, and Danny So. In 1981, the Philippine badminton team participated in the
Southeast Asian (SEA) games. The country hosted the event. In 1984, the Philippines made its first
appearance in the Thomas Cup tournament. The eighties to the mid-nineties saw a new crop of luminaries
in the game Renato Reyes, Jessie Alonzo, Salvador "Badong" Banquiles, Antonio "Jojo" Mance, Jr. and
Naresh Ramnani. And in 1992, Melvin Llanes became the first Philippine champion at the Prince Asian
Juniors Championship for the 16-under age group. It was in 1992 when the Philippines first played in the
Uber Cup games, resulting in a victory over Tanzania. It was duplicated in 1998 when the Philippine ladies
team defeated Mauritius at the Uber Cup Asian Zonal Championship.

In 1995 Australian International Championships (IBF-sanctioned international tournament),

Weena Lim and Kennie Asuncion were the first Philippine entry (ladies double) to win a gold medal, and
in 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Weena became the first Philippine badminton player to qualify and participate
in the prestigious game.

In 1997 SEA games in Jakarta, Weena Lim and Kennie Asuncion were the first bronze medalist in
the women's doubles event.

Despite badminton’s decline in popularity, financial woes and inconsistent programs, enthusiasts
did not lose hope in promoting the sport. Academies and foundations like Allied Victor 650, William and
William Gabuelo Academy (WWGA), Whackers and Golden Shuttle Foundation have financed and
supported qualified players who could not afford training expenses. Big companies like Toby’s and Yonex
continue to organize nationwide tournaments. Badminton clubs overseas like Wow Pinoy Badminton Club
(United Emirates) and Badminton Aficionados (Riyadh) continue to rise in numbers.

In 1998, the Philippines hosted the Asian Preliminaries of the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup with 19
countries and 15 countries participating, respectively. In the 1998 Thomas Cup Asian Zonal
Championships, the Philippine men's team achieved the first Thomas Cup victory by defeating Iran 5-0.

In the 2001 Bangkok Open, Kennevic Asuncion became the first bronze medallist in the men's
singles and mixed doubles individual event with sister Kennie. In 2002, Kennevic Asuncion was the first
Philippine badminton silver medalist in the 11th Asian University Games for the men's singles individual
event held at the Ateneo de Manila.In the 2002 Canada Open in Vancouver, British Columbia, Kennevic
and Kennie Asuncion were the first Philippine badminton bronze medallists in the men's singles and mixed
doubles individual events. In the 2002 US Open in Orange County, California, Kennie Asuncion and Weena
Lim took the first bronze medal for the Philippines in the women's doubles individual event. In the 2003
13th World Championships in Birmingham, Kennevic and Kennie Asuncion were the first Philippine team
members to qualify and participate in both men's singles and mixed doubles individual events.

- Vinarao, K. (2005) “Milestones in Philippine badminton”

http://badmintongeek.blogspot.com/2007/01/milestones-in-philippine-badminton.html