Tokyo: World No. 1 men’s singles player, Kento Momota has been training with the Japanese national badminton team in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture from April 14th (Wednesday) to April 23rd (Friday). The 26-year-old was determined to rediscover his pre-injury form at the two remaining Olympic qualifiers.
Momota sustained bruises to his face and other parts of his body, and later had to undergo surgery to repair the broken eye socket which was caused by a fatal car crash that killed the van driver in Jan of 2020.
“I had a very good experience at the training camp, it motivated me to practice every day so that I can get closer to my best play,” said Momota. Momota is scheduled to participate at the Malaysia Open (May 25 – May 30) and Singapore Open (June 1 – June 6).
Besides working out at the gymnasium, the Japanese shuttlers were pushing their bodies to the limit with series of fitness and weight training in the camp.
“This time, the training camp was set in a place different from the National Training Center in Tokyo, so the atmosphere was a little different. I focused on my training to improve my weaknesses discovered during the All England. It was a training camp where I learned a lot,” added Momota.
Momota also showed his appreciation to his fans.
“I haven’t been able to play in front of everyone for a long time since last year, but I’m the type who reads social media comments and direct messages, so everyone’s support is very encouraging. Thank you very much. I will continue to wait for your support message, so please send me more and more. Thank you,” said Momota.
Meanwhile, Japan’s World No. 5 men’s doubles player, Takeshi Kamura said the training camp was very tough.
“It was the hardest training camp in recent years. I was focusing on my playing style and the quality of my shots,” said Kamura.
