Kento Momota, the former world champion in badminton for Japan, announced his retirement from the national team at the age of 29. He made this announcement at a press conference in Tokyo, stating that he would represent Japan for the last time at the Thomas Cup international team competition in Chengdu, China later this month.
Momotas decision to retire from international competition was not an easy one, but it was ultimately driven by a series of recent injuries that had dashed his hopes of qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite being a dominant force in badminton and winning a record 11 singles titles in the 2019 season, Momota realized that he could no longer reach the pinnacle of the sport and become world No. 1 again.
At the height of his career, Momota was involved in controversy and tragedy. He was suspended for gambling at illegal casinos in Japan, which led to him missing out on competing for a medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Additionally, he was involved in a car crash in early 2020 that claimed the life of the driver of the van he was traveling in.
Despite these challenges, Momota managed to win another title in November 2021 after a year-long drought following an accident that set him back significantly. His appearance at the Tokyo Olympics was disappointing as he made an early exit in the group stages. Moving forward, Momota plans to continue playing domestically in national championships and professional S/J League as he transitions into his next phase of his career.
Momotas fulfilling career playing for Japan has been marked by successes and failures alike. While he faced several challenges along his journey as a badminton player, including controversies and injuries, he also achieved great milestones such as becoming world champion twice and winning numerous titles throughout his career.
As Momota steps away from international competition, he expressed his desire to help others find enjoyment in sports going forward. He reflected on how much he enjoyed playing for his country and hoped to inspire future generations of Japanese athletes to do the same.
In conclusion, Kento Momotas retirement from international competition marks an end to an era where he dominated badminton on a global scale. However, it is also an opportunity for him to focus on other aspects of his life while continuing to play domestically and inspire others through sports.