PHILIPPINE Sports Commissioner Salvador “Buddy” Andrada has been named Honorary Life President of the powerful Asian Tennis Federation during its recent meeting held in Tehran.
Andrada was picked by the ATF board which recognized his contributions, being a long-time president of the Philippine Tennis Association from 1986 to 2000.
“It is only just that a person who has contributed majorly to the growth of tennis in Asia and has supported the game in every way, be named as such,” said ATF president Anil Khanna in his letter to Andrada.
Andrada, the first Filipino to serve as ATF president in 2000-2002, expressed gratitude over the recognition and said he will use the position to help promote Philippine tennis.
“This is also a recognition of the country’s tennis program that has grown steadily through the years,” added Andrada.
Andrada is in the midst of organizing the 25th Andrada Cup age-group tennis championships slated Jan. 6 to 12 at Rizal Memorial Tennis Center.
The Andrada Cup, the longest-running age-group tourney in the country, has produced talents like Jurence Mendoza, Clarice Patrimonio, Johnny Arcilla and Patrick Tierro.
As sports commissioner, Andrada is in charge of a cluster of sports including lawn tennis, billiards, cycling, equestrian, powerlifting, rowing, sepak takraw, soft tennis, muay thai, handball, table tennis, body building and weightlifting.