TOKYO: Two-time world champion Kento Momota announced his retirement from international badminton at the age of 29, citing ongoing struggles following a serious car accident four years ago.
Momota, once dominating the badminton scene with 11 titles in 2019, faced a dramatic shift after a crash following his victory at the Malaysia Masters in January 2020. Despite undergoing surgery for a fractured eye socket, Momota’s return to the court was marred by double vision and an inability to recapture his former brilliance.
Now ranked 52nd and missing out on the Paris Olympics, Momota will retire from Japan’s national team after the Thomas Cup in China. Although he expressed no regrets about stepping away from elite competition, Momota aims to continue promoting badminton in Japan and expressed gratitude to those who supported him through his struggles.
Reflecting on his journey, Momota encouraged his teammates to remain focused and resilient, drawing lessons from his own experiences as they prepare for the Olympic stage in Paris.
