Source: Sipa USA / SOPA Images
[Saba Sports News] On January 21, the Japan Badminton Association announced the new national team roster for 2025 on its official website. Japanese badminton star Watanabe Yuta, who has competed in both men’s doubles and mixed doubles, was regrettably left off the team due to unsatisfactory results with his new partner in international and domestic competitions. It is reported that the Japanese team adjusts its roster annually, primarily based on the results of the All Japan Badminton Championships at the end of the year. Players with outstanding international results may sometimes withdraw from competitions without affecting their final selection, but if both international and domestic results are not ideal, they will definitely be excluded. Not being selected for the national team means he will not be included in the team roster for group competitions, which means Watanabe’s name will not appear in the upcoming Asian Mixed Team Championships in February, and he will also not be included in the Sudirman Cup in May. However, due to financial constraints faced by the Japan Badminton Association, most players’ expenses to participate in the BWF tour are borne by their clubs. Therefore, even without being selected for the national team, Watanabe Yuta will still be able to compete in international events.