BADMINTON

The Badminton World Federation will present His Majesty the King with its President's Medal, Thailand's chief of the sport said yesterday.

It is the BWF's highest award to honour distinguished individuals or organisations with an exceptional contribution to the sport, said Charoen Wattanasin, president of the Badminton Association of Thailand.

His Majesty will be the first person to receive the award, acccording to Prof Charoen.

The decision was unanimously made at a recent BWF meeting chaired by its president Kang Young Joong.

"To cerebrate His Majesty the King's 84th birthday, the BWF is honoured to present the President's Medal to His Majesty," Charoen said.

According to Charoen, His Majesty has played a key role in badminton developement in Thailand for more than 50 years.

The King, who played badminton when he was younger, has also given financial support to the sport through the Crown Property Bureau since 2002.

Because of the King's contributions, several Thai players have shone on the international stage including Boonsak Ponsana and 17-year-old Ratchanok Intanon who is one of the brightest young prospects in the world.

Charoen, a former world class player, also received the King's personal support to study and play badminton in England.