CIPUTRA HANOI Vietnam International Challenge: Launchpad for World Badminton Stars
Leon To
Tue Mar 12 2024
CIPUTRA HANOI - YONEX SUNRISE Vietnam International Challenge may not have achieved the status of a World Tour event yet, but a glance at its past champions reveals the allure and quality at its pinnacle. This tournament has been a catalyst in propelling badminton stars to new heights, both domestically and internationally.
Vietnamese badminton icon Nguyễn Tiến Minh, who clinched the championship titles in 2006, 2008-2009, 2014, 2016-2017, and Nguyễn Thùy Linh achieving the same feat in 2023, have exemplified the tournament's role in fostering local talent and elevating the sport in Vietnam.
One standout example is Kento Momota, the 2018 champion, who used the CIPUTRA HANOI - YONEX SUNRISE Vietnam International Challenge as a stepping stone to reclaim his glory following a gambling scandal that led to his suspension. Despite missing out on prestigious events like the All England Open due to the ban, Momota's resurgence in 2018 saw him become Japan's first-ever men's singles world number one and go on to win 11 titles in 2019.
In addition to Momota, the tournament has hosted other rising stars such as Satwiksairaj Rankireddy / Chirag Shetty, who triumphed in 2017 and currently hold the top spot in the world rankings for men's doubles. Similarly, Pornpawee Chochuwong from Thailand, once a top-8 player globally, secured the women's singles title in 2017 amidst transitioning from junior competitions to the elite international stage.
As the 16th-ranked player in the world, Chochuwong shared accommodations with Nguyễn Thùy Linh during the Super 1000 All England Open, coinciding with the CIPUTRA HANOI - YONEX SUNRISE Vietnam International Challenge 2024. Their encounter promises an intriguing meeting, and the tournament stands poised to witness the crowning moments of players who may dominate the global badminton scene in the future.
The CIPUTRA HANOI Vietnam International Challenge serves as a vital launchpad for emerging and established badminton talents alike, shaping the trajectory of players' careers and showcasing the sport's competitive spirit and excellence on an international stage.