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Maestro Park Joo-bong gears up Japan’s BATC charge without star players

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BATC: Momota’s team form elevates Japan’s standing | Scoop
Kento Momota in action in the Badminton Asia Team Championships yesterday. – Badminton Asia Facebook pic, February 15, 2024
Sports

BATC: Momota’s team form elevates Japan’s standing

Despite faltering performances in individual competition, double world champ happy to play his part

Main Author Image
Sandru Narayanan
Updated
8:00 AM MYT

 

SHAH ALAM – Japan’s former men’s singles world champion, Kento Momota, may not currently be in the form of his life in individual competitions, but he has proven to be invaluable to his team at the ongoing 2024 Badminton Asia Team Championships (BATC) at the Setia City Convention Centre.

The 29-year-old shuttler, who last competed in the Indonesia Masters last month, displayed dominance in the opening two matches for his team as Japan edged closer to reaching the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Under the guidance of South Korean Park Joo-bong, the men’s team currently lead Group C, which includes Thailand, Singapore and Myanmar, with 4 points (412-205).

World number 40 Momota expressed his delight at being part of the national team and extended his gratitude to his coach for selecting him.

“I’m thrilled to represent my country as the third-choice singles player and to be part of this prestigious tournament. Playing for Japan in a team event holds special significance for me, surpassing the individual competitions.

“My love for badminton knows no bounds, and the opportunity to play for my country fills me with joy. I’ll continue playing this sport for as long as I can.

“I am grateful to my coach (Joo-bong) for entrusting me with this opportunity. I aim to deliver my best performance in every game of this tournament,” said Momota after his match against Singapore yesterday.

Momota’s journey has taken some challenging turns – serious injuries sustained in an accident had scuppered his chances of a triumphant home Olympics in 2020. – Kento Momota Facebook pic, February 15, 2024

Momota contributed a crucial point in Japan’s 5-0 victory over Singapore, defeating Lau Jun Hui Marcus 21-16, 21-9 in a match lasting 37 minutes.

Previously Scoop reported that Japan’s coach, Joo-bong, viewed Momota’s inclusion as a significant asset for the country’s BATC campaign.

Momota’s journey has been fraught with challenges. A tragic accident in January 2020 left him with severe facial injuries, shattering his hopes for a triumphant performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

He was involved in a road accident en route to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, which caused him to suffer severe injuries, including skin lacerations and bone fractures.

With the top-four teams from the men’s event securing berths for the Thomas Cup Finals in China from April 28 to May 5, Japan’s performance in the BATC holds significant weight as they aim to secure their spot. – February 15, 2024

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