Kento Momota, a former world champion of badminton, announced his retirement from the Japanese national team at a press conference in Tokyo. The 29-year-old stated that he would represent Japan for the last time at the upcoming Thomas Cup international team competition in Chengdu, China. In 2018, Momota made history by becoming the first Japanese man to win a world championship and he successfully defended his title the following year.
Unfortunately, recent injuries have dashed Momota’s hopes of qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympics. As a result, he has made the difficult decision to step back from international competition. Despite his retirement from the national team, Momota expressed his intention to continue playing domestically in the national championships and professional S/J League.
Momota’s announcement marks the end of an era for Japanese badminton fans who have followed his illustrious career. With his impressive achievements and dedication to the sport, Momota has left a lasting impact on the world of badminton. Although he will no longer be competing at an international level, his presence in domestic competitions will continue to inspire aspiring athletes in Japan.