Marcus/Kevin Separation Event At Indonesia Open 2024 Canceled

Kevin Sanjaya/Marcus Gideon refused to attend the farewell event. (doc. PBSI).

JAKARTA The phenomenal pair separation event Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo was confirmed to have failed to be held at the Indonesia Open 2024.

The Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) had previously planned a farewell event as a form of appreciation for the Minions to be held right at the Super 1000 BWF event.

The plan for the series of events has also been prepared by PBSI. However, according to the news circulating, Marcus/Kevin refused to attend the event which aims to pay their respects, thanks for their achievements and dedication.

Initially, this farewell event was planned to be held in the final of the Indonesia Open 2024 at Istora Gelora Bung Karno, Senayan, Jakarta, Sunday, June 9, 2024.

Head of the Development and Achievement Division of PP PBSI, Ricky Soebagdja, clarified that the cancellation of this event was because the Minions had an agenda that could not be abandoned on that day.

"We plan to hold a farewell event for the Minions on the final day of the tournament (Indonesia Open 2024). Unfortunately, on that day Marcus was unable to attend because he had another agenda that could not be postponed," he said.

In PBSI's plan, they want to continue the tradition of special farewell ceremony for players who have declared hanging up their racket.

A similar farewell event was also held by PBSI when Greysia Polii, who won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with Apriyani, decided to retire.

At that time, the farewell event was held in the middle of the Indonesia Open 2022 tournament.

"This farewell event is actually a form of appreciation, respect, and gratitude from PBSI to Marcus/Kevin. Understandably, during playing, the Minions have recorded extraordinary achievements and dedication for the Indonesian badminton world," said Ricky.