DO WE NEED IDOLS?

DO WE NEED IDOLS?

Our generation has a plethora of sports disciplines replete with great achievers and who have become global icons and “idols” to many.   In the 1990s, 5-time NBA MVP Michael Jordan redefined basketball, refueling the basketball craze in the US and all over the world.  Just recently, another Michael (Phelps) made a significant impact in global sports after his historic 8-gold medal harvest at the Beijing Olympics.  As a result, the number of youngsters who want to take up swimming globally has risen, more than in any other time in history.

The impact of the two Michaels creates an interesting discussion about the relationship between Sport Idols -- or the lack of it -- to the growth of a particular sporting field.    In Thailand, a “Paradorn effect” ensued after the Thai Tennis superstar defeated Andre Agassi in Wimbledon 2002.  “Everyone suddenly wanted to become like Paradorn Srichaphan” (note: writer’s paraphrase), a local Thai website wrote.

Philippine Badminton needs a hero, an idol, an icon.  

“The Philippines desperately needs a local Taufik to bring the local badminton level to a world-class caliber”, one regional Yonex marketing analyst quips.   Many sports pundits will agree.   We need someone who can be a representative image to thousands of aspiring young badminton enthusiasts all over the country.   Someone who can affirm that we can compete at world-class level despite the meager training budget and the various challenges in our country.   A Filipino’s consistent string of successes in the international badminton scene will open the gates to many talented local badminton athletes and encourage them to follow suit.     Since the participation of Weena Lim in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, no other Filipino has qualified in the sport of Badminton at the Olympics.  And apart from the recent prominence of the Asuncion siblings, Vic and Kennie, no other Filipino player has reached the top 20 in the world rankings.

The 2008 Yonex-Sunrise Philippines National Open Badminton Championships can be a good venue to scout for these new idols and future sports heroes.   The tournament’s partnership with Yonex (the world leader in Badminton) guarantees players a tournament that is nothing short of being world-class: from the venue and officiating to the equipment used (e.g. shuttlecocks).    The tournament can be a springboard of our new breed of Juniors players for a very bright future ahead in world badminton.

The 2008 Yonex-Sunrise Philippines National Open Badminton Championships is presented by Yonex – Sunrise and co-presented by Phiten.  This event is also brought to us by:  Badminton Hub, Sportshub, My Shaldan, Makati Shangri-la, BSI Medicated Spray, Fish Designs, Potraitme.net, Tacorific, Potato Corner and our official & exclusive print partner, The Philippine Star. 

For tournament details and registration form, http://www.worldkalakal.com/2008yonexsunrisetourney

For inquiries/comments/questions:  email us at wkievents@worldkalakal.com