Japanese badminton player shares journey to Olympics

Sonoda

When Japanese coach Keigo Sonoda stepped inside the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium to facilitate the training sessions of his players that are currently competing in the Crowne Plaza Northern Marianas Open, he could not help but look back at this journey to becoming an Olympian.

Sonoda, who competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games last year, used to be a regular participant in Badminton World Federation’s International Challenge, a Grade 3 event that awards points to players wishing to play in the Olympics. The 32-year-old played in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and in countries in Europe. 

“When I was young, I also had the experience of competing and winning the International Grade level several times. By winning these grade level tournaments, I gained confidence and continued to grow,” said Sonoda, who with Takeshi Kamura were ranked No.2 in the world in the men’s doubles in 2017. The Japanese was also part of the national team that won the 2014 Thomas Cup and 2017 Asia Mixed Team Championships, notched a silver medal in the 2018 World Championships, and was a runner-up (with Kamura) in the prestigious All England Club in 2011.

Sonoda, who reached the quarterfinals of last year’s Olympics, is part of the coaching group of the Japanese team that brought 28 players for the Crowne Plaza Northern Marianas Open 2023—the first of the two-leg International Challenge that Northern Marianas Badminton Association is hosting. As of yesterday afternoon, Japan has two contenders in the men’s singles in No. 6 seed Riku Hatano and No. 8 Koo Takahashi. In the women’s singles, Tomoka Miyazaki is in the quarterfinals, while two other Japanese female players are still in the fight for the final eight slots as of press time.

Seeing himself in the 170-plus players competing in the Crowne Plaza Northern Marianas Open 2023 when he was still dreaming of playing in the Olympics, Sonoda has some words of encouragement to the participants of the ongoing tournament.

“From here, I want you to challenge higher grade competitions and aim for the Olympics,” Sonoda said.

Meanwhile, after the early exit of former world No. 1 and two-time Olympian Son Wan Ho of South Korea, No. 1 seed and four-time Olympian Kevin Cordon became the latest favorite to be booted out of the competition. Cordon was upset by Cho Geonyeop of South Korea in the men’s singles Round of 16 with the unranked player winning in three games, 23-21, 19-21, 21-10.

Games in the Crowne Plaza Northern Marianas Open 2023 will continue this weekend, with the finals in the five events slated from 12nn to 5pm.

The Crowne Plaza Northern Marianas Open 2023 is sponsored by Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, TakeCare IT&E, D&Q, GPPC, Tan Siu Lin Foundation, Fanter, Marianas Visitors Authority, Marianas Variety, Saipan Computer Services-Ideal Sign, Hong Ye Construction, Island Apparel Joeten Motors, Joeten Daidai Foundation, Traders Insurance, Cup BAB, Pacifica Insurance, Bridge Capital, Shirley’s Coffee Shop, MARPAC, Northern Marianas Sports Association, Pepoy’s Restaurant, Sun Palace, Vickie Izuka, Saipan Ice & water Co., First Hawaiian Bank, and JET Holdings. (PR)