Badminton body honours HM the King
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The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is set to present His Majesty the King its first ever President's Medal for his contribution to the sport.
The President’s Medal is to honour distinguished individuals or organisations who have made an exceptional contribution to badminton, says the BWF.
Members of the Federation unanimously decided to grant the inaugural award to His Majesty. BWF president Kang Young Joong and his council will seek an audience with the King to present the award.
In its citation, the BWF says His Majesty has supported badminton for more than half a century. He began playing the game in 1953, and the Badminton Association of Thailand came under his patronage a year later.
His Majesty also grants the trophies for men’s and women’s singles winners of the National Championships. He has encouraged Thai players to overcome any physical disadvantage of size or height and focus on their strengths so as to compete against the world’s best.
The King has played, and also allowed royal household staff to play, badminton at the multi-purpose building inside Chitralada Palace.
