Shayne Fairman, Star Writer

The sport of badminton is enjoying major upswing locally and internationally, with a number of steps taken to modernise the sport, outlined in a 2011-2016 development plan.

Equally, the Jamaica Badminton Association (JBA) has been on par with the forward-thinking initiative, dubbed 'shuttle time'.

"First of all, it (shuttle time) is a drive to have badminton spread in as many schools and communities locally," Robert Richards, the JBA president said.

"Our sport was on the decline. So shuttle time is an initiative by the world federation and local partners: the Government of Jamaica (GOJ), Institute of Sports (INSPORT), Social Development Commission (SDC) and the Jamaica Badminton Association (JBA), to develop the sport across Jamaica," he added.

Richards explained that the sport has experienced growth in popularity, despite financial constraints and lack of sponsorship to sustain that growth.

He also added that not every Jamaican will play football or cricket, noting that Badminton is an alternative having produced several players ranked in the top 100 in world ranking.

"We want to see wealthy, middle-class and inner-city children playing the sport," Richards said.

By partnering with the Badminton World Federation (BWF), INSPORT, SDC and the GOJ, shuttle time is expected to bring more growth and expertise over the medium and long-term period.