Tago’s tale of redemption – making Malaysia his second home saved his career

KUALA LUMPUR: It looks like former Japan international shuttler Kenichi Tago (pic) has made Malaysia his second home.

The 29-year-old chose Malaysia as it had given him a new lease of life after his indefinite suspension by the Nippon Badminton Association in April 2016 for gambling at illegal casinos in Japan. Gambling is a criminal offence in Japan.

Tago was banned alongside his junior Kento Momota but the latter has since made a strong return to the world stage after his oneyear suspension ended middle of last year.

But that wasn’t the case for Tago. As a result, the 2014 Thomas Cup winner opted to continue his career abroad – and he chose Malaysia.

Besides being a loyal servant to the Petaling Badminton Club in the Malaysian Purple League, Tago is also taking up private coaching jobs and is also a sparring partner at times.

“I love Malaysia. I was able to get back on my feet due to the help I received here,” said Tago, who’s helping out as a sparring partner in the national women’s singles department.

“If I choose 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 free to do whatever I want... coaching, sparring, and just like these two weeks, I’m helping out the women’s singles team training. I was approached by coach (Tey Seu Bock, women’s singles head coach) and I gladly accepted.

“I try to assist the players as much as I can – if I can teach, I’ll teach.

“I’m just so happy with my life here. Otherwise I wouldn’t have stayed this long.”

Tago admitted he regretted his gambling addiction years ago, where he reportedly lost around ¥10mil (RM366,000) over 60 visits to casinos in Tokyo and Yokohama from October 2014 to January 2016.

“I have only myself to blame. Now I don’t know if I can ever play international badmin- ton again,” he lamented.

“But I’m happy to see Momota is back stronger than ever and is set to be crowned the world No. 1 ( when the rankings are updated tomorrow). He will be the first Japanese to do so.

“I have no doubt he can do it. He’s an exceptional talent.”

Tago also wished his ailing old friend Lee Chong Wei a speedy recovery.

“Chong Wei is my idol. I respect him a lot. I always got ‘punctured’ whenever I played against him,” recalled Tago.

“I’m famous for one thing – always losing to him. I only won twice in our 19 meetings, including five finals!

“My most memorable battle with him was the 2010 All England final. We were vying for our first title and he beat me (21-19, 21-19).”