Kuala Lumpur: World No. 1 men’s singles player Kento Momota who was tested positive two weeks ago at Narita airport which eventually prompted the whole Japanese team to withdraw from the 3 back-to-back BWF World Tour tournaments in Bangkok, announced on his social media page on Jan 14 that he has returned to training.
“Under the guidance of the public health center, I have resumed practice from today after the quarantine period.
I’d like to do my best so that I can show my healthy appearance on the court.
Thank you for your continued support,” tweeted Momota.
Under the guidance of the public health center, I have resumed practice from today after the quarantine period.
I’d like to do my best so that I can show my healthy appearance on the court.
Thank you for your continued support.#桃田賢斗 #感謝 pic.twitter.com/Qh1I9lLi6n— 桃田賢斗 (@momota_kento) January 14, 2021
The 26-year-old was looking to make his international comeback in Bangkok after almost a year out following a car crash that left him with bruises all over his body and a fractured right eye socket. At one point, he admitted his “spirit was almost broken” after undergoing surgery to repair his broken eye socket.
Meanwhile, Indonesia’s World No. 1 men’s doubles player Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo has also recovered from COVID-19.
He was cleared to return to practice after the two PCR swab tests he took – on Saturday (Jan 9, 2021) and Monday (Jan 11, 2021) have both returned negative.
Sukamuljo was tested negative in the first test conducted at Mitra Keluarga Hospital. However, under the COVID-19 safety protocol, he was required for a second test within intervals of 24 hours to 72 hours to prove that he had fully recovered.
“Thank God that I have taken the swab twice and the results were negative. Thank you for all the prayers and support,” said Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo to Badminton Indonesia.
“I will start training again in the next few days.”
“I’ll encourage everyone to stay safe and healthy and follow the COVID-19 safety protocols & procedure,” said Sukamuljo.
The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) team doctor, Octaviani, also confirmed that Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo was indeed allowed to return to training at the Indonesia national training facility.
