Japan’s Momota, once the dominant force in badminton, clinched 11 titles in 2019 and only suffered six losses out of 73 matches that year. However, his trajectory shifted dramatically when a fatal accident occurred in January 2020, following his victory at the Malaysia Masters. Enduring a fractured eye socket, he underwent surgery, sidelining him for a year. Upon his return, Momota grappled with double vision and struggled to reclaim his former prowess, despite securing two additional titles.
Reflecting on the accident, he confessed to questioning, “Why me?” Now ranked 52nd and excluded from the Paris Olympics, Momota plans to retire from Japan’s national team after the Thomas Cup in China this month, opting to compete solely in domestic tournaments in Japan.
Despite facing numerous challenges post-accident, Momota expressed no regrets about his decision to step away from elite badminton, aiming to advocate for the sport in Japan. He emphasized the support he received during his toughest times and emphasized his desire to rebound from adversity.
Although he aimed for the Paris Olympics, Momota’s national ranking fell short, compounded by his past ban from the 2016 Rio Olympics due to gambling. Disappointed by his early exit at the Tokyo Games in 2021, Momota viewed it as a learning experience and advised his Japanese teammates to stay composed and give their best efforts in Paris, focusing on the process rather than the outcome.