Source:REUTERS/Arko Datta
[Saba Sports News] In the badminton world, how to become a top player has always been a mystery sought by countless enthusiasts. The answer may lie in the experiences of retired champions. Recently, Japanese badminton legend Kento Momota, who just left the competitive scene, attended a brand event in Shanghai. In an interview, he shared the secrets to becoming a top player: eat well to ensure adequate nutrition; sleep well to allow the body to fully recover; practice diligently and have a genuine love for the sport. Only by doing so can one continuously improve and become stronger. Although Momota’s badminton career seemed fleeting, he reflected that every day was filled with hard work, and he approached training with a grounded attitude. Even when facing setbacks, his love for badminton convinced him that no challenge was insurmountable. In my opinion, during his peak, Momota was undoubtedly the most dominant player in men’s singles, having won the badminton world championships in 2018 and 2019 and reaching the top of the world rankings, still holding the record for 11 championships in a year.