Former world No.1 Kento Momota calls it quits from intl badminton
Former world No.1 Kento Momota has called it quits from international badminton four years after surviving a car crash.
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KENTO MOMOTA CALLS IT QUITS FROM INTL BADMINTON PLAY
Momota decided to call it quits at 29 years old, as he will play for Japan one last time at this month’s Thomas Cup.
The former world champion cited a recent rash of injuries and playing fitness that led to his decision.
“I’ve realized I can no longer get back to the point where I’m aiming to be No.1 in the world again,” Momota said.
“I had a very fulfilling career playing for the national team,” he added.
The Japanese shuttler “wanted to get back to the way I used to play,” but he admitted having “a gap between my feelings and my body.”
CAR ACCIDENT EFFECTS A FACTOR FOR MOMOTA TO RETIRE
Momota’s career took a turn when the vehicle that took him to the Kuala Lumpur airport crashed after winning the Malaysia Masters in January 2020.
The 5-foot-9 southpaw required surgery to heal a fractured eye socket, while the driver in the accident was killed.
Momota staged a comeback and won two more titles, but he suffered double vision and wasn’t the same again.
“At the time of the accident, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think of myself, ‘Why me?” he asked.
“There were a lot of tough times after that traffic accident,” Momota said.
MOMOTA CALLS IT QUITS AFTER MISSING OUT PARIS GAMES
Momota called it quits after a series of injuries prevented him from qualifying for this year’s Paris Olympics.
He dropped to No.52 in the world rankings, making him ineligible to compete for a slot in this year’s Games.
The Kagawa native claimed 11 singles titles in the 2019 season and lost just six of the 73 matches he played that year.
After the Thomas Cup later this month, Momota will only play in Japanese domestic competitions.
“Now I want to be involved in helping all kinds of people find enjoyment in sports,” he said.
Momota is eying to play in Japan’s national championships and the professional S/J league moving forward.
