Tokyo: The betting scandal continued to send shockwaves through Japan’s badminton community, when the Nippon Badminton Association suffered a further blow on Tuesday after World No. 43 men’s singles player Kenta Nishimoto has been identified as its latest shuttler to have visited an illegal casino.
The Japan’s badminton governing body has been investigating its 106 players and staff to ascertain whether they were involved in illegal gambling since 2014, after its World No. 3 player Kento Momota was found guilty to have visited illegal casino and was banned from competition indefinitely.
The 21-year-old Kenta Nishimoto admitted he went to a casino twice in February and March last year.
“Nishimoto told us he went to an illegal casino in Tokyo twice between February and March last year, but claimed he did not bet,” said Nippon Badminton Association official Yuichi.
Kenta Nishimoto who is still a student at Chuo University has received a warning and was removed from the Japan national team.
