Men's Doubles Kevin Sanjaya / Marcus Gideon Absent Indonesian Representatives At All England, This Is The Reason

Indonesian men's doubles badminton player Marcus Gideon (right) accompanied by his colleague Kevin Sanjaya is absent from All England 2023. (Between/Indrianto Eko Suwarso)

JAKARTA - Men's doubles Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo/Marcus Fernaldi Gideon or Minions withdrew from the BWF Super 1000 All England 2023 event at Utilita Arena Birmingham, England, March 14-19 because Kevin is known to have not recovered 100 percent after being infected with Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF).

The Minions' resignation has been discussed first by the coaching team and also the confession from Kevin who feels his physical condition has not fully recovered, so it was finally decided not to go to Birmingham, England, along with other national team members.

"After resting and being treated, last Wednesday we had training. Then Marcus/Kevin discussed, Kevin said he couldn't be 100 percent ready. Finally, after consulting with Me and Aryono (Miranate), it was decided together not to leave," said Head of Doubles Coach Herry Iman Pierngadi through an official PP PBSI message in Jakarta, as released by Antara on Sunday.

The withdrawal of the Minions made the Garuda Squad lose one of its mainstays from the men's doubles in the world's oldest badminton tournament.

Based on his observations, the preparations made by Marcus/Kevin have been going quite well. However, 10 days before departure, Kevin tested positive for dengue.

Even though Kevin/Marcus seem to insist on continuing to train so they can join All England. Herry ensured that all programs had been carried out properly and no one was left behind by Kevin/Marcus.

"I also saw that his condition was not fit. His staff had not returned because he had not practiced for 4-5 days. It was better to recover before," continued Herry.

Herry emphasized that there was no other reason behind the resignation of Marcus/Kevin at All England 2023. Purely because of Kevin's illness.

"This is purely due to dengue illness that attacked him," Herry asserted.

After missing the All England, Herry predicts the Minions ranking will drop. But he asked his two students not to be discouraged and never give up, because later they could return to chasing rankings through the Super 300 tournament.

"For them, I advise you to be more patient, take care of your condition, even though your name is a disease, we don't know when it will come. However, never give up and give up, there is still time to catch up. Race to the Olympics can still be able to," Herry said.

With the withdrawal of Kevin/Marcus, Indonesia has five men's doubles pairs at All England 2023. They are Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto, Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan, Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin, Bagas Maulana/Muhammad Shohibul Fikri, and Pramudya Kusumawardana/Yeremia Erich Yoche Yacob Rambitan.