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)