The Philippines is poised for a bright future in badminton as the country prepares to host its first-ever international badminton tournaments and joins the BWF Super Series cycle from 2027 to 2030, according to Philippine Badminton Association (PBAD) Head of Development Melvin Consunji-Nubla.

He emphasized the importance of a clear and sustainable grassroots development program to provide young athletes with a pathway from local competitions to the national team.

“Number one, it starts with the federation. It starts with the NSA, right? There has to be a clear program in developing sport as a whole in the country. Second, there has to be a clear sustainable program in terms of having grassroots,” he said.

Consunji-Nubla also highlighted that reaching the Olympics is a difficult journey, as athletes must first become top players in the country and among the best in Asia before earning a chance to qualify for the world's biggest sporting event.

“Everybody wants to be an Olympian, but for you to be an Olympian, number one, you have to be the best locally. Let's say under-19, you have to be the best under-19 player in the Philippines. Next, you have to be the best under-19 player in Asia. Meaning, you have to be Top 5 or Top 10 for you to qualify for the Olympics, so hindi siya madali,” he expressed.

He believes that bringing international tournaments to the Philippines will help local athletes raise their level of play by exposing them to world-class competition and international standards.

Despite challenges such as funding and international exposure, he encouraged young players to pursue their dreams of joining the national team and one day becoming Olympians.

“Now is really the best time for you guys to play the sport of badminton to really pursue your dream if you want to be an Olympian. This is one route for you, because the pathway is clear, the program is clear, and you really have potential. Filipinos really have a potential for the sport of badminton,” he said.