Tokyo: The Nippon Badminton Association (NBA) has announced that former World No. 2 Kento Momota’s indefinite suspension for gambling at illegal casinos will be lifted on May 15th.
The 22-year-old Kento Momota who was Japan’s best bet for winning a medal in the Rio Olympic, was kicked off the Japanese badminton team on April 2016 after was found guilty for gambling at an illegal casino together with teammate Kenichi Tago. Tago was also removed from the NBA’s official player list for an indefinite period.
Momota has been disciplined during the suspension period, and has involved in some social services and charity events. His effort and good faith including his job performance with his employer NTT East, was considered by the NBA board and no objections were raised to lift his suspension.
Kento Momota became the hero for Japan when the country won their first ever Thomas Cup in 2014, and could officially return to local competition in Japan as early as May 27th.
