Jayce
On April 11 in Tokyo, Japanese badminton star Kento Momota stated that despite facing strong challenges from younger players, he is determined to qualify for next year’s Paris Olympics.
The former world number one in men’s singles made these remarks in an interview with Nikkan Sports, saying, “I want to step onto the Olympic stage again.”
Since his car accident in Malaysia in 2020, Momota has struggled to achieve desired results. He was eliminated in the group stage at the Tokyo Olympics and suffered a first-round exit at last year’s Japan Open. His world ranking has dropped from first place two years ago to 21st. Even within the Japanese national team, he ranks fourth, with only two spots available for men’s singles players to qualify for the Olympics.
“I need to make progress. If I improve, the level of the Japanese team will also rise. That’s my goal,” he said.
Momota, who turns 29 in September this year, also revealed that after his defeat at the Japan Open last year, he spent a week at home without touching his racket and once contemplated retirement. However, after watching videos of himself playing in middle school, he rediscovered himself, changed his attitude towards competitions, and resolved to make a comeback.
“I told myself not to give up, to persevere. I now thoroughly enjoy the pleasure that competition brings. Even if I can’t participate in the Paris Olympics, I can still satisfy myself,” he added.
