The Nippon Badminton Association (NBA) has received a substantial anonymous donation, officials confirmed on Tuesday (2/4/2025), offering a potential lifeline as the organization grapples with funding cuts and past scandals.
According to sources close to the matter, the donor requested that the exact amount remain undisclosed. NBA executives expressed deep gratitude, calling the contribution “exceptionally generous” and vowing to deliberate carefully on how to allocate the funds. “We will discuss this internally and ensure the money is used prudently and effectively,” a senior official stated.
The donation arrives as the NBA faces significant financial challenges. In recent years, the association has been embroiled in controversy, including a cover-up of embezzlement by a former employee. This led to reduced financial support from the Japan Olympic Committee (JOC) and the national government. For the 2024 fiscal year, the NBA’s athlete development budget was slashed from an initial ¥800 million (approximately 5.1 million USD) to ¥300 million (about 1.9 million USD), forcing national team members to cover partial costs for international competitions.
The financial strain has impacted players directly. Notably, Yuta Watanabe, a mixed doubles bronze medalist at both the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and 2024 Paris Olympics, announced his withdrawal from the 2025 national team. While Watanabe has not publicly linked his decision to funding issues, the move has sparked speculation about the pressures faced by athletes amid the budget cuts.
The anonymous donation could alleviate some of these challenges, though the NBA emphasized transparency in its handling of the funds. “We recognize the weight of this gesture and will prioritize accountability,” the official added.
As Japan prepares for future competitions, the association’s ability to rebuild trust and stabilize its finances remains critical to supporting its athletes on the global stage.
Source (in Japanese)