THE Philippine Badminton Association (PBAD) is hosting the three-day Second Smart Philippine Intercollegiate Badminton Championships starting Thursday at the Centro Atletico in Cubao, Quezon City.
Twelve colleges are participating in the tournament featuring a team format with each squad competing in men’s and women’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles.
“Smart continues its commitment to PBAD as we support the intercollegiate championships,” said Melvin Nubla, Smart Communications FVP for Go-To-Market. “Together, we continue to nurture the youth as we enable them to pursue their passions such as sports.”
The teams will be divided into four groups with defending champion University of the Philippines bracketed with University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) rivals Adamson University and University of Santo Tomas in Group A.
Group B consist of last year’s finalist San Beda University, San Sebastian College-Recoletos and Technological University of the Philippines, while Group C includes College of Saint Benilde, Lyceum of the Philippines University and Polytechnic University of the Philippines.
Ateneo de Manila University, whose women’s team clinched the UAAP Season 85 championship, is grouped with archrival De La Salle University and Mapua University.
“Through these championships, we’re not just competing—we’re crafting champions,” said Carla Lizardo-Sulit of PBAD, a former player from Ateneo.
“This tournament is a crucible that molds our collegiate athletes, tempering them to perfection for their upcoming seasons.”
Project director Imee Moreno said the championships is another avenue for Filipino shuttlers to continuously compete outside of their mother leagues.
“This serves as a testament to our dedication in providing collegiate athletes with a sustainable circuit to compete in,” Moreno said. “We believe in nurturing their talents and fostering a strong sense of sportsmanship, creating a brighter future for our young badminton stars.”