Two-time world champion Kento Momota was at the recent World Championships in Paris not as a coach or supporter, but assumed a media role as journalist and commentator.

The former world number one took on a new duty when he interviewed his former national team-mates Takuro Hoki and Yugo Kobayashi.

“It was my first time doing this role and I was so nervous. It was quite tough to think about what I should ask them post-match, so it was funny to be very nervous in front of them,” Momota told the Badminton World Federation (BWF) about his new media role. https://bwfworldchampionships.bwfbadminton.com/news-single/2025/09/07/momota-on-life-after-retirement-and-finding-a-voice-in-paris/

As for his commentary role, Momota said it came more naturally to him.

“I love to play badminton of course and I love watching badminton. When I received the offer I was so excited,” added the Japanese former men’s singles ace, who enjoyed his media duties at the world meet.

“My interview with Hoki and Kobayashi was fun. They are only a year younger than me, and we went to the same elementary and junior high school, so I got some inspiration from them.”

Momota has primarily been a coach for his club - the NTT East Japan Badminton Club since his retirement last year.

The 31-year-old still plays at the domestic level, and actively contributes to the development of the game in Japan.

As an athlete, Momota was an unstoppable force in his prime, winning two consecutive world titles in 2018 & 2019.

He also won a record 11 titles in 2019 and entered the Guinness World Records for that achievement.