MVP to launch more Smart Open tilts

MANILA, Philippines - The MVP National Juniors Badminton Championships and Smart Open have lined up another series of tournaments throughout the country this year, further boosting the sport’s grassroots development program.

In fact, the twin events have been of great help in the country’s talent-search, producing such rising stars Pingkoy Salvado of Ateneo de Davao and Cheska Bermejo of St. Benilde.

“It was my dream to play the sport I love and these tournaments allowed me to realize my dream. I thank Manny V. Pangilinan and Smart Communications for these opportunities,” said Salvado, who topped the boys’ singles Under-17 and U-19 and doubles U-17 of the Mindanao leg and national finals.

For Bermejo, the two tournaments have taught her the value of hard work and discipline.

“Badminton is my life. It taught me to train several hours per day especially during my varsity days at CSB. But I had to work and somehow it has changed my schedule. The Smart Open gave me this chance,” said Bermejo, a mixed doubles champion in the Smart Open.

For juniors coach Lito Flores, these events are great vehicles for players particularly the young ones to take up the sport.

“We have been developing the youth for 11 years now starting them really young to learn the skills of badminton,” said Flores.