Registered as National Training Players, The Minions Never Practice Again

Jakarta, Beritasatu.com – Even though they are registered as National Training players for the Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI), the men's doubles team, Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, never trained again in Cipayung. The Minions are currently on a training break and it is not yet clear when they will start training again.

As is known, Marcus/Kevin have been absent from training and matches since January until now. They have also not registered to compete in any tournament to date.

“We respect their decision. They may be considering their future, considering their age and current performance. Whether they will continue or not, we also don't know,” said the head of the men's doubles coach at Pelatnas PBSI, Aryono Miranat, at Pelatnas Cipayung, Wednesday (21/2/2024).

According to Aryono, the decision whether to continue or quit Pelatnas is in the hands of both of them. “We will confirm their position again,” he added.

Aryono stated that his party together with PBSI still have not confirmed what will happen to the pair Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo who are still registered as national training players.

It was said that his party would carry out further communication with the former world number one in men's doubles regarding their commitment to PBSI and badminton.

“We will ask Kevin/Marcus whether they still want to continue playing or not. Regarding certainty, we cannot confirm it yet. Will they end or continue? This decision is up to them,” said Aryono.

“Yes, it's still 50:50. We will confirm this further with them,” he added.

Aryono stated that PBSI continued to maintain Minions on the list of national training players when announcing the names of athletes who were promoted and relegated some time ago.

“We included them in the national training first, but we will wait for clarity from them. We will communicate with them, maybe in the near future,” said Aryono.

Meanwhile, Head of Development and Achievement Division at PBSI, Ricky Soebagdja, is waiting for a commitment from Marcus/Kevin regarding their career in badminton under the auspices of the national training team.

“We will discuss their commitment and communicate immediately. Their achievements are truly extraordinary, but back to the commitment of the players themselves. Their names are still on the SK, we hope to meet with them as soon as possible and see their condition,” explained Ricky.