Jakarta: The Head Coach of the Indonesian Men’s Doubles department, Aryono Miranat, stated that he, along with the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI), has not yet determined the fate of the pair Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, who are still on the list of the Indonesian national team.
Miranat said that he and the team would have further communication with the former world number one men’s doubles players about their commitment to PBSI.
“I will certainly ask Kevin/Marcus again later, whether they will continue playing or not. Regarding certainty, I also cannot confirm yet. ‘Are you done here or still playing?’ This decision is from them,” Miranat explained.
“So, this decision is still 50:50, I will make sure to ask them again,” Miranat added.
Furthermore, Aryono said that PBSI still included the pair, a.k.a “the Minions,” in the Indonesian national team when announcing the names of promoted and demoted athletes some time ago.
“We had a promotion-demotion event, right, so we included them here (remaining in the national team), they will need to provide clarification later. I will communicate, maybe in the near future,” said Miranat.
Regarding their current status, the coach said that both players are in a “training break” and it is still unclear when they will start training again.
As is known, Marcus/Kevin have been absent from training and competing together since January until March 2024. They have not registered to participate in any tournaments so far.
“Because we also respect them. They may be thinking about their future, considering their age, their current performance. Whether they will continue or not, we also don’t know,” said Miranat.
“They will need to decide whether to continue or stop on their own. I will clarify their position later,” added Miranat.
Similarly, the Head of PBSI’s Development and Achievement Division, Ricky Soebagdja, is waiting for a commitment from Marcus/Kevin regarding their badminton career under the Indonesian national team.
“We will discuss their commitment, and will make the announcement soon. However, their achievements are extraordinary, but it depends on the players’ commitment themselves. Their names are still with the national team. We hope to meet with them as soon as possible, and we’ll see what the conditions are like,” explained Soebagdja.
-100x70.jpg "Markis Kido an inspiration for younger players (pic)")
