Two-time world champion Momota retired at only 29 years of age

Two-time world champion and Japanese player Kento Momota has retired at only 29 years of age from an International badminton competition. He became the indisputable champion of badminton after winning 11 titles and only losing six of his 73 matches in 2019.

However, the situation did not remain the same for Kento due to the 2020 accident which ended his astonishing career. The car was driving him to the airport in Kuala Lumpur airport when it crashed badly four years ago. He had won the Malaysia Masters just some hours before this tragic accident.

Former No 1 Momota retires from international badminton at 29 https://t.co/XqX3VB9xca pic.twitter.com/keDEG7IeUy
— CNA (@ChannelNewsAsia) April 18, 2024

Kento suffered badly from a damaged eye socket. However, the car driver died. Kento underwent surgery to recover the eye socket. But since the accident, he struggled with double vision upon his comeback after a year.

He could not return to the amazing form that made him the world’s number-one when he won two championship titles. He told media reporters today in Tokyo during a press conference that he has never been the same since a serious car accident four years ago.

Kento said I would be lying if I said I didn’t think to himself, why me at the time of the accident? There were a lot of tough times after the accident. He tried to get back to the way he used to play through trial. But there was a gap between his feelings and his body.

Click here to read updates on Forbes declaring Badminton star Magic Johnson a billionaire

He realized he would never be able to return to the point where he was challenging the best in the world. Hence, the two-time world champion Kento Momota retired from International Badminton at 29, leaving a legacy as Japan’s unbeaten champion.

Although he was smiling during his 45-minute press conference, but frequently paused to find the proper words. He stated he had no regrets about ending his professional badminton career.

Moreover, he expressed his desire to see badminton grow in Japan. He also thanked the players for supporting him during his lowest point.