Source:REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq
[Saba Sports News] At his peak, Kento Momota seemed invincible. His composure, his control, his demeanor were all impressive. Watching Kento Momota play, you saw not just a champion, but a master completely in command of his craft. Therefore, it was indeed somewhat unfamiliar to see Kento Momota at the 2025 TotalEnergies BWF World Championships wearing headphones, leaning against the commentary desk in the media tribune, rather than striding onto the court with his racket bag. Momota’s career is difficult to summarize simply in words: two-time World Champion, two-time Asian Champion, All England Open champion, three Sudirman Cup medals, and holder of the World No. 1 ranking for over two years. In 2019, he won an astounding 11 titles in a single season, a record unlikely to be matched in the foreseeable future. Momota was like a chess master able to anticipate moves ahead, always deciphering the tactics of the top opponents to dismantle their offense. Since retiring a year ago, Momota has transitioned into coaching, devoting himself wholeheartedly to passing on his knowledge and dedicated to nurturing the next generation of players. During this World Championships, he tried his hand at commentary for the first time. Now, carrying countless stories within him, Kento Momota is calmly and resolutely writing the next chapter of his life with the same quiet elegance he displayed on the court.