Rodion Alimov Makes World Tour Comeback at Syed Modi International

LUCKNOW, INDIA—After years away from the elite circuit, Russian badminton star Rodion Alimov is set to make his highly-anticipated return to the BWF World Tour at the Syed Modi India International 2025 (Super 300) this November.

Alimov, a former European champion in Mixed Doubles, will compete in the Men’s Doubles event alongside his partner, Maksim Ogloblin, marking their first appearance at a World Tour-level tournament since Russian and Belarusian athletes were initially banned from international competition in 2022.

A New Chapter on the Global Stage

Alimov and Ogloblin have been cleared to compete as Individual Neutral Athletes (INA) by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), a significant step that has allowed their gradual re-entry into the sport. While the journey back began earlier in 2025 at the International Challenge level, the Syed Modi International represents a major milestone.

The pair have already shown impressive form in their comeback. In August 2025, the Men’s Doubles duo clinched the title at the Lagos International in Nigeria, an International Challenge event, defeating P.S. Ravikrishna and Somi Romdhani in the final with a commanding score of 21–15, 21–12. This victory signaled that Alimov, 27, and Ogloblin, 21, are quickly regaining their competitive edge.

Years in Waiting: From Ban to BWF World Tour

Alimov’s last outing on the BWF World Tour circuit was at the India Open 2022, where he and his then-mixed doubles partner, Alina Davletova, had to withdraw from the semi-finals after Alimov tested positive for COVID-19. Shortly after, the suspension of Russian athletes effectively halted his career at its peak.

Alimov was previously a top competitor, reaching a career-high mixed doubles ranking of World No. 18. His pedigree includes a Gold medal at the 2021 European Championships in Mixed Doubles. Now, he returns in the Men’s Doubles category, facing the challenging task of rebuilding his BWF ranking from scratch in a new discipline.

The Syed Modi India International, scheduled from November 25 to 30, 2025, in Lucknow, will serve as the true measure of their progress. As they step onto the Super 300 court, all eyes will be on Alimov and Ogloblin as they strive to reclaim their place among the world’s best. Their participation is not just a personal comeback but a symbolic moment for all neutral athletes returning to the global stage.