You bet it feels good – Tago sees his ban over gambling lifted

PETALING JAYA: Japan’s former men’s singles ace shuttler Kenichi Tago (pic) has earned a reprieve from an indefinite ban imposed by the Nippon Badminton Association.

The 31-year-old was banned on April 2016 for gambling at illegal casinos in Japan.

After four-and-a-half years into his suspension, Tago, a former world No. 3, saw the ban lifted on Sunday.

Tago, who helped Japan win their first Thomas Cup in 2014, was banned together with teammate Kento Momota who has since made a strong return by winning two world titles and is the current world No. 1 after his one-year suspension ended in May 2017.

According to reports in Japan, the national body had decided to lift the suspension on the grounds that Tago has been actively promoting badminton through coaching and engaging with fans on the social media platform in recent years.

He’s also constantly providing playing tips via his YouTube channel ‘TAGO KEN’, which boast of a massive following of 82,600 subscribers.

Prior to being caught for gambling, Tago had once been booted out of the national team because of indiscipline.

And it was in Malaysia that Tago found a new lease of life after his suspension.

Since relocating to Kuala Lumpur in 2017, Tago has been a loyal servant to the Petaling Badminton Club in the Malaysian Purple League.

Tago then started giving private coaching lessons, which gradually led to him setting up his very own TAGO Academy in April in 2019. And at one point, he was also helping out Malaysia’s women’s singles department on the invitation of then head coach Datuk Tey Seu Bock.

“I love Malaysia. I was able to get back on my feet due to the help I received here, ” said Tago in an interview with StarSport in September 2018.

“If I chose to remain in Japan after the ban, it would be difficult for me to even look for a job. So it’s really good to be here, especially continuing to be involved in badminton. I’m just so happy with my life here. Otherwise I wouldn’t have stayed this long.”

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Tago has returned to Japan and the all activities at the TAGO Academy, according to his official website, are currently on hold.

It remains to be seen if Tago still harbours hopes of making a competitive return.