TOKYO -Saying they knew what they were doing was wrong but were unable to stop themselves, badminton stars Kenichi Tago and Kento Momota apologized Friday for their involvement in illegal gambling that will almost surely keep them out of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Tago, 26, and Momota, 21, looked contrite and shed some tears at a nationally televised press conference in Tokyo at NTT East Japan, their employer, which said it will decide on sanctions for the two based on an internal investigation.

“To appear in the Olympics has been a dream of mine since childhood,” said Momota, adding that he wanted to inspire and encourage youth in Fukushima Prefecture, where he went to middle school and high school. “With my reckless behavior, I have betrayed the expectations of those who have supported me, and I sincerely apologize.”

Momota, the world No. 2 and a bronze medalist at the world championships, represented Japan’s top hope for a medal in Rio. Tago played at the 2012 London Olympics and is a six-time national champion.

The two, along with other team members, have admitted going to an illegal casino in Tokyo that has since been shut down by police.

Masayuki Okumoto, the badminton team supervisor for NTT East Japan, revealed that Tago gambled about 60 times and lost about 10 million yen (about $91,000), while Momota lost 500,000 yen on six occasions.

Okamoto said the casino outings started after Tago was injured in September 2014 and was unable to practice. Tago confirmed that he would go out at night and was lured into the illegal establishment, and later invited younger team members to join him.

“I invited them with the feeling that it was just playing,” Tago said.

Momota said he was “curious” and “had some fun,” but “as I was in the position of leader of the national team, it was reckless.”

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