When RP 1st lady learns badminton

When RP 1st lady learns badminton

JAKARTA (JP): Basketball is the most popular sport in the Philippines, but badminton may move up on the popularity list under first lady Amelita Ramos, the country's new chairman of badminton association.

Mrs. Ramos, a renown Filipino shuttler in late 1950s, intends to study badminton skills from neighboring countries Indonesia and Malaysia, George Piano, the Philippines team manager at the Japan Open badminton championships, said yesterday.

"Our hopes to improve our badminton team are growing, especially when we observe that Mrs. Ramos takes her new job seriously, despite her busy days," Piano was quoted by Antara as saying.

"Once our team arrives in Manila, I will suggest that she take a trip to a badminton training camp in West Java," Piano added. The badminton chief, who was elected last November, has named the country's badminton legend Errot Chan as national coach. (amd)