close_game
close_game

Japan's Momota eyes Olympic gold after recovering from crash

Reuters |
Mar 17, 2021 08:38 AM IST

"For me, getting through that crash was a massive thing; my outlook on life really changed after that," Momota, who is set to return to elite-level competition at this week's All England Open, said.

Kento Momota feared he would be unable to play badminton again after a road accident in Malaysia left him with serious injuries last year, but having returned to full fitness the world No.1 says he is gunning for gold at the Tokyo Olympics.

Japan's Kento Momota(REUTERS)
Japan's Kento Momota(REUTERS)

Japanese shuttler Momota, 26, fractured his nose and right eye socket, and sustained multiple lacerations to his face after the van he was travelling in crashed into a truck in January last year.

The accident, which killed the van driver, occurred hours after Momota had secured his first victory of the season at the Malaysia Masters.

"For me, getting through that crash was a massive thing; my outlook on life really changed after that," Momota, who is set to return to elite-level competition at this week's All England Open, told BBC.

"I stopped taking for granted the everyday things that I was able to do in life. I never really thought about quitting the sport but I did worry that I would be left unable to play it anymore.

"I was also able to rediscover the joy in badminton."

Momota said he does not feel the pressure of being one of Japan's major hopes for a gold medal at the Games, which were postponed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I'll just do the best I can and not listen to any other voices around me," he said. "I just want to go for that gold medal to grow the profile of badminton in my country."

rec-icon Recommended Topics
Share this article
See More
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On