Kento Momota’s Badminton Return: Competing for Passion, Preparing for Coaching
Petaling Jaya – Badminton fans around the world welcomed a surprise return to the court as former world No. 1 Kento Momota participated in the King’s Cup invitational tournament in Shenzhen. The Japanese legend, who retired from professional badminton last year, accepted an invitation from two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan to once again grace the stage.
King’s Cup: Star-studded Lineup
The King’s Cup, now in its second edition, brought together an impressive lineup including Momota, Alex Lanier, Anders Antonsen, Jonatan Christie, Jason Teh, Victor Lai, Shi Yuqi, and China’s rising talent Liu Yang Ming Yu. However, Momota’s campaign ended in the quarter-finals, falling to Shi Yuqi 19-21, 15-21 on December 26.
“I have no intention of returning to the Japanese national team, but I hope to play in a way that makes people watching think that I still have a lot more to offer. If that can lead to invitations to compete in overseas open tournaments, I would be very happy.”
Kento Momota
Despite the early exit, Momota showcased glimpses of his trademark touch and court craft, entertaining the crowd with his competitive spirit.
Momota: Practicing What He Preaches
Though he acknowledges that regular competition on the World Tour calendar is no longer feasible, Momota’s love for the sport persists. As he transitions into coaching, the 30-year-old believes it’s crucial to maintain his practical skills to better instruct his future players.
“I think it is very important to practise every day. Even if I am in a teaching role, I want to teach through practical skills rather than just words… If you do not feel the importance of every single shot, it is difficult to convey that to others.”
From Lin Dan Cup to King’s Cup
This isn’t Momota’s first invitational appearance since retiring. He was previously offered a spot by Lin Dan in the Lin Dan Cup in July but had to withdraw due to illness. His return to the court at the King’s Cup serves as a testament to his enduring passion for the sport and commitment to coaching.
Did You Know?
Kento Momota’s Achievements: Before retiring, Momota held the No. 1 spot in men’s singles for a total of 75 weeks. He won the BWF World Championships in 2018 and 2019, and led Japan to a historic Thomas Cup victory in 2020.
Pro Tip
“Feel every shot, and you’ll be able to convey that importance to your players in the future.” – Kento Momota