Momota Kento Announces Official Retirement
On the afternoon of May 3, Japanese badminton star Kento Momota shocked fans around the world by announcing his official retirement. The decision came after Momota held a press conference in April, revealing his plans to step down from the national team following the Thomas Cup.
The news of Momota’s retirement came after the Japanese men’s team suffered a disappointing 1-3 loss to the Malaysian team in the Thomas Cup quarter-finals on May 2. Momota, who served as the third singles player, did not have the opportunity to play in the crucial match. The day before, the team faced Chinese Taipei and Momota Kento played his final game in the international arena.
During the press conference, Momota expressed his love for team competitions and revealed that he wanted to make his last international competition a memorable one. “I had a very exciting and fulfilling week in Chengdu,” he said.
Looking ahead, Momota shared his plans to continue promoting badminton and inspire others to take up the sport. “I want to convey the spirit and understanding of badminton to more people,” he said. “I will participate in more activities to help others appreciate the beauty of the game.”
Momota’s career has been filled with ups and downs, from his early success in helping Japan win the Thomas Cup to his ban for illegal gambling in 2016. Despite facing challenges, he rebounded to win the World Championship men’s singles gold medal in 2018 and capture 11 championships in a single season in 2019.
However, a serious traffic accident in Malaysia and an early exit from the Tokyo Olympics marked a turning point for Momota. Reflecting on his decision to retire from the national team, he admitted that his past experiences had taken a toll on his ability to perform at his best. “I am no longer searching for my old self, I am looking for my new self,” he explained.
As Momota bids farewell to international competition, he expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from his fans. “I feel honored to retire with the backing of so many people,” he said. “While I may be stepping away from the court, I will continue to be involved in badminton in some capacity. Please continue to support me on this new journey.”
Momota Kento may be retiring from the national team, but his legacy in badminton will undoubtedly live on for years to come. Fans and fellow players alike will remember him as a talented athlete who overcame adversity and inspired countless individuals with his passion for the sport.