Momota Kento, the former world No. 1 badminton player, announced his international retirement at a press conference in Tokyo on April 18. The 29-year-old confirmed that his last tournament representing the Japan national team will be the Thomas & Uber Cup Finals in Chengdu, China from April 27 to May 5.
In January of 2020, Momota was involved in a serious car accident in Kuala Lumpur that nearly took his life. After making a comeback to competition in December, Momota has struggled to regain his previous form. He was unable to advance out of the group stage at his home Games in Tokyo and has only secured two tour victories since the life-changing accident.
Momota had a remarkable season in 2019, winning 11 titles on the BWF Tour and earning the title of top men’s player. However, he is currently holding the 52nd ranking in the qualifying race for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, placing him seventh among Japanese players. Only the top two players from each National Olympic Committee are able to qualify for the Games.
More updates on Momota’s retirement are expected to follow in the coming days as he reflects on his career and looks forward to new opportunities.
