# To keep Momota out of the Olympics is harsh’ – says Chong Wei
# ‘Let this be a lesson to others including our Malaysians’ – Chong Wei
The badminton world is reeling from Kento Momota’s exit from the Rio Olympics but there are many sympathisers for the Japanese ace, including Malaysia’s former World No 1 Datuk Lee Chong Wei.
“I was shocked with what happened but life must go on for him. I believe he was not aware of the consequences and he is now paying a high price for what he did,” says Chong Wei.
“It could be he was not aware of what he did was not right. I feel sorry for him but he is still young and he can comeback a much stronger player, he is very skilful and once ranked No 2 in the world. Momota’s case points to indiscipline, it is good lesson to the younger players, including our Malaysian juniors.”
Momota and another Japanese player Kenichi Tago returned to Tokyo on Thursday. While Tago failed to make the main draw of the USD550,000 Celcome Axiata Malaysia Open at the Malawati Stadium in Shahj Alam, Momota was forced to concede a walkover to England’s Rajiv Ouseph in the second round after he pulled out from the tournament.
Just last week, Momota won his fourth Superseries title when he won the India Open and was expected to go far in the Malaysia Open. He was also on the “favourites list” in Rio together with Chong Wei, Lin Dan and Chen Long of China.
In fact just hours before he flew back home, Momota gave an exclusive interview to sports247.my through interpreter Safril Riza Samsuri and talked about the stars who could be a danger in Rio and he named Chong Wei as the main threat.
