The upcoming Lin Dan Cup in Xi’an, scheduled for July 25-27, 2025, is already generating significant buzz, not just for the return of Japanese badminton superstar Kento Momota, but also for a truly Cinderella story unfolding in the draw. An amateur badminton player is set to find themselves in the same group as the former world No. 1, a match-up that has set social media abuzz with comments like, “Win one point and brag about it for a lifetime!”
Kento Momota’s participation in the Lin Dan Cup marks a highly anticipated return to competitive badminton. The 30-year-old Japanese sensation, a two-time World Champion, has been a prominent figure in the tournament’s promotional material. His presence alone guarantees a high level of competition and draws considerable attention from fans worldwide.
However, it’s the unexpected grouping of an amateur player with Momota that has truly captured the public’s imagination. While details about the amateur player’s identity are still emerging, the sheer unlikelihood of such a pairing has ignited discussions across online platforms. For any aspiring badminton player, facing a legend like Momota, even in a group stage match, is an unparalleled opportunity and a moment many can only dream of.
The Lin Dan Cup, founded by badminton icon and two-time Olympic gold medalist Lin Dan, boasts a significant prize purse of 850,000 yuan (approximately RM500,000) and aims to provide a platform for players with “badminton dreams and aspirations.” This particular grouping perfectly embodies that spirit, offering a grassroots player an unforgettable experience against one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Momota, who retired in April last year at the age of 29, has been actively invited by Lin Dan himself to participate in various editions of the Lin Dan Cup. His decision to compete in Xi’an is a testament to the tournament’s growing stature and Lin Dan’s personal appeal.
As the Lin Dan Cup approaches, all eyes will undoubtedly be on this extraordinary group. While the professional players vie for the lucrative prize and prestige, the amateur player will undoubtedly be playing for a memory of a lifetime, hoping to perhaps snatch a point, or even a game, against a legend.