Marcus and Kevin Withdraw from Korea Open and Japan Open 2023 due to Ankle Injury

Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, popularly known as “The Minions,” have announced their withdrawal from the 2023 Korea Open and Japan Open tournaments. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) released an updated list of players for the tournaments, and Marcus/Kevin’s names were missing from the list.

According to reports from Bolasport, the Indonesian men’s doubles pair submitted their resignation on Thursday, June 22, 2023. The head coach of the Indonesian men’s doubles, Herry Iman Pierngadi (Herry IP), revealed that Marcus/Kevin’s withdrawal was due to Marcus’s recurring ankle problems.

Marcus has been carrying an old injury since late 2021, where bones have been growing in both ankles. He underwent surgery on his left heel in April last year, which took more than a month to recover from. As a result, Marcus missed the 2022 Asian Championships and the 2022 Thomas Cup.

Herry IP explained that Marcus tried to play again after recovering from the surgery, but now his right leg is causing him pain. The coach stated that they are still waiting for clear information from the doctor regarding Marcus’s condition. The injury to Marcus’s right leg has been felt since his appearance at the Singapore Open in early June 2023.

Due to Marcus’s injury,

What are the reasons for Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo’s withdrawal from the Korea Open and Japan Open tournaments in 2023?

“The Minions,” Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, have sadly announced their withdrawal from the upcoming Korea Open and Japan Open tournaments in 2023. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) recently released a revised list of players for these tournaments, and Marcus and Kevin’s names were noticeably absent.

Reports from Bolasport indicate that the Indonesian men’s doubles pair made the difficult decision to withdraw on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Herry Iman Pierngadi (Herry IP), the head coach of the Indonesian men’s doubles, disclosed that Marcus and Kevin’s departure was due to ongoing ankle issues that Marcus has been dealing with.

Marcus has been coping with an old injury since late 2021, in which bony growths have formed in both of his ankles. He underwent surgery on his left heel in April of last year and required more than a month to make a full recovery. Unfortunately, this led to Marcus missing out on both the 2022 Asian Championships and the 2022 Thomas Cup.

Herry IP further explained that Marcus attempted to resume playing after his surgery, but now his right leg is causing him pain. The coach mentioned that they are currently awaiting more detailed information from the doctor about Marcus’s condition. The injury to Marcus’s right leg has been bothering him since his appearance at the Singapore Open earlier in June 2023.

Given the severity of Marcus’s injury and the need for proper recovery, it is understandable that they have opted to withdraw from the upcoming tournaments. Although it is disappointing for their fans and supporters, health and well-being should always take precedence. We wish Marcus and Kevin a speedy recovery and hope to see them back on the badminton court soon.