Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, aka the Minions, decided to withdraw from the 2023 All England Open Badminton Championships.
Gideon/Sukamuljo withdrew because Sukamuljo had not recovered 100% after being infected by Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) 10 days before departure.
“Actually, the preparations for Marcus/Kevin were quite good, but Kevin was positive for dengue ten days before departure,” said Herry Iman Pierngadi, the head coach of the Indonesian men’s double squad.
Herry emphasized no other reason behind Marcus/Kevin’s withdrawal from the 2023 All England Open. It was purely because of the dengue fever that Kevin was suffering from.
“There was no other reason. They were very focused on playing. In fact, I think in the training sessions before his illness, Kevin was insistent on training. All programs run well. Nothing was left out,” said Herry.
“This was purely because of the dengue fever that infected him,” said Herry.
With Gideon/Sukamuljo leaving, Indonesia has left five men’s doubles pairs at the 2023 All England. 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.
The 2023 All England Open will be held between 14 and 19 March at the Utilita Arena Birmingham in Birmingham, England. Gideon/Sukamuljo are the two-time former champion.