In a thrilling development for badminton fans, Japanese superstar Kento Momota, the former world No. 1 in men’s singles, is set to return to competitive play at the esteemed Lin Dan Cup. The 30-year-old, who retired from international badminton in April 2023 at just 29, will take the court in Xi’an, China, from July 25-27, marking a highly anticipated return to the sport.
Momota’s participation has become a major highlight of the tournament, with organizers featuring him prominently in promotional campaigns. Named after Chinese badminton legend Lin Dan—a two-time Olympic gold medalist—the event offers a prize pool of 850,000 yuan (around USD 118,500), cementing its status as a key fixture in the badminton calendar.
The competition will showcase a strong international lineup, including Thailand’s Kantaphon Wangcharoen (2019 World Championship bronze medalist), South Korea’s Cho Geon-yeop, Ireland’s Nhat Nguyen, and Momota’s fellow Japanese player Riki Takei. Malaysia will also be well-represented by Tan Jia Jie and Cheam June Wei.
A Career of Triumphs and Challenges
Momota once reigned supreme in men’s singles, particularly in 2019, when he claimed 11 titles and suffered only six losses in 73 matches. His back-to-back World Championship victories in 2018 (Nanjing) and 2019 (Basel) solidified his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest players.
However, his career took a dramatic turn after a serious car accident in 2020, shortly after his triumph at the Malaysian Masters. The incident severely affected his form, leading to a prolonged struggle before his eventual retirement.
What Does This Comeback Mean?
Momota’s return sparks excitement among fans who remember his electrifying performances. While it remains unclear whether this is a one-time appearance or the start of a full-fledged comeback, his presence alone adds prestige and intrigue to the Lin Dan Cup.
As the badminton world turns its gaze to Xi’an, all eyes will be on Momota as he steps back onto the court—ready to write the next chapter of his remarkable career.