JAKARTA - Kurniahu Tjio Kay Kie, former Indonesian badminton player and father of badminton legend Marcus Fernaldi Gideon, died on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
The sad news was conveyed by the official Instagram account of Gideon's badminton academy. Kurniahu breathed his last at the age of 66 this morning.
"The large family of Gideon Badminton Academy expresses its deepest condolences for the death of Mr. Kurniahu Tjio Kay Kie, the founder and mentor of Gideon Badminton Academy," the statement read.
Kurniahu is a former Indonesian badminton player from the late 1970s and 1980s and served as the General Chairman of the South Jakarta City PBSI Management.
After finishing his career as a player, Kurniahu switched professions to become a coach and trained players at Tangkas club. There, he managed to produce many great players.
"Hopefully the deceased will get the best place by the side of the Almighty God, and the family left behind will be given strength, fortitude, and consolation," continued the statement from the Gideon Badminton Academy.
One of Kurniahu's best students is his biological son, Marcus Gideon. Marcus achieved many impressive achievements when he paired up with Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo.
They were ranked number one in the world for more than four years between 2017 and 2022 and won many prestigious titles in the BWF World Tour calendar.
Unfortunately, the World Championship trophy and the Olympic gold medal were never won. However, Marcus/Kevin is one of the best men's doubles ever owned by Indonesia.
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