Buntag to recapture badminton gold

Living up to her name, early morning grind was never a problem for badminton player Maicel A. Buntag as she wakes up early and relishes another opportunity to rise among the ranks of Badminton greats.

At the age of five, Maicel took a liking to badminton and never departed from playing till it brought her straight to Palarong

Pambansa for two consecutive years in her elementary days.

Maicel, who happened to be the niece of the owner of JB Smashville in Panabo, made her daily trainings easier.

Badminton is not just a game for the young badminton player for it already became part of her life. She always ensures that a day never skips without her indulging into intensive practice even if she is at the middle of an ailment, as recalled by her former coach, Shella Rose Amodia.

“The more Maicel is challenged, the greater the drive she exuded ,” said coach Girlie Sale.

“As per observation, Maicel is a decisive lass aside from being a goal-oriented athlete,” she added.

The bronze medal she acquired from 2018 DAVRAA Meet pushed her to aspire for greater heights and reclaim the gold medals she enjoyed three years back.

A few days before the anticipated opening of the 2019 DAVRAA Meet, Maicel Buntag, along with other badminton players continued the regular early morning grind; marveling at the golden sun rising over the horizon; hoping to recapture the gold which was once hers. #KenHarveyFamor

ON GUARD: Maicel Buntag, Bronze medalist in the 2018 DAVRAA Meet prepares her racket for the slow drop shot.

Captioned by: Jeanne Bajao; Photo Credits: Ken Harvey C. Famor