Kento Momota’s story is one of talent, determination, and resilience.
From a gifted child in Japan to a world number one admired across the globe, his path reflects both extraordinary success and remarkable comebacks.
This in-depth look at Kento Momota’s journey as a badminton champion explores his early years, career highs, challenges, and enduring influence on the sport.
Early Life and Love for Badminton
Born on September 1, 1994, in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan, Momota discovered badminton at a young age.
He quickly displayed superb hand-eye coordination and natural athletic ability.
By the time he entered junior competitions, his elegant footwork and strategic gameplay already stood out, setting the stage for a promising career.
Rising Through the Junior Ranks
Momota first caught international attention during his junior years:
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2012 World Junior Championships – Won the boys’ singles title, signaling his potential as a future star.
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Asian Junior Championships – Consistently strong performances built his reputation as one of Japan’s brightest talents.
These early victories provided the confidence and experience that would shape his senior career.
Breakthrough at the Senior Level
Kento Momota transitioned to the senior circuit seamlessly.
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2013: Reached the semifinals of the Japan Open, showcasing his ability to compete with top-ranked players.
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2014 Thomas Cup: Helped Japan win its first-ever men’s team title, a historic achievement.
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2015 Singapore Open: Captured his first Superseries title, announcing himself as a global contender.
His graceful movement, precise shot placement, and patient rallies soon made him one of the most feared competitors on the tour.
World Championship Glory
Momota’s dominance peaked with two BWF World Championship titles:
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2018 (Nanjing, China) – Claimed his first world title after a year-long absence, proving his mental toughness.
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2019 (Basel, Switzerland) – Successfully defended his crown, displaying unmatched consistency and skill.
He became the first Japanese men’s singles player to win the World Championships, cementing his place in badminton history.
Record-Breaking 2019 Season
The year 2019 remains unforgettable in Kento Momota’s career.
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11 titles in a single season, including prestigious tournaments like the All England Open and Indonesia Open.
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Earned the record for most men’s singles titles in a calendar year, demonstrating dominance rarely seen in the sport.
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Finished the season as world number one, a ranking he held for an extended period.
Momota’s calm demeanor, relentless defense, and tactical brilliance defined his matches, often leaving opponents frustrated.
The Roadblock – Suspension and Redemption
Momota’s journey wasn’t without setbacks.
In 2016, he faced a suspension from international play due to off-court issues, forcing him to miss the Rio Olympics.
Rather than ending his career, this pause became a turning point.
He worked on his fitness, rebuilt his mindset, and returned stronger than ever—evident in his triumphant 2018 World Championship win.
The 2020 Car Accident and Comeback
Just as he prepared for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Momota survived a serious car accident in Malaysia, suffering facial injuries and vision problems.
The incident disrupted his training and competition schedule, presenting another enormous challenge.
Despite these obstacles, he fought his way back to the circuit, symbolizing perseverance and courage.
Playing Style and Strengths
Kento Momota is celebrated for his strategic, patient, and precise gameplay.
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Defensive Mastery: Exceptional anticipation and footwork allow him to retrieve seemingly impossible shots.
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Shot Accuracy: His ability to control rallies and place the shuttle exactly where he wants sets him apart.
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Mental Resilience: Known for staying composed under pressure, he often turns long rallies into opportunities to wear down opponents.
His style showcases badminton as a game of intelligence as much as speed and power.
Awards and Recognition
Momota’s brilliance has earned numerous accolades:
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BWF Male Player of the Year (2019)
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Multiple Japan Sports Awards and recognition from the Badminton World Federation.
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Widely regarded as a key figure in popularizing badminton in Japan and across Asia.
These honors highlight not only his achievements but also his role as an ambassador for the sport.
Kento Momota’s Ongoing Impact
Though injuries and the global pandemic slowed his momentum, Momota remains a respected competitor and mentor for younger players.
His journey—from junior prodigy to world champion, through suspension, accidents, and comebacks—has inspired athletes worldwide to pursue excellence regardless of setbacks.
The Enduring Legacy of a Champion
Kento Momota’s career illustrates that greatness is built not only on trophies but also on resilience and character.
From his early victories to his record-breaking 2019 season and courageous returns from adversity, he continues to embody the spirit of a true badminton champion.
His story motivates aspiring players to chase their dreams with discipline, patience, and unwavering belief.
