PETALING JAYA – Former world No. 1 men’s doubles player Marcus Gideon of Indonesia recently spent a day training with players at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Kuala Lumpur, but his visit is purely recreational and not a prelude to joining the national team. The 35-year-old, who celebrated his birthday last week, is currently in Malaysia on a family vacation and seized the opportunity to maintain his fitness while in the country.
Gideon’s presence at ABM provided a valuable training experience for the Malaysian players, particularly the younger generation. Rexy Mainaky, the doubles coaching director for the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), explained that Gideon proactively reached out to inquire about training facilities. “Marcus is just here for a holiday with his family, but he is someone who loves to sweat it out,” Mainaky said. “So Marcus asked if he could attend training at ABM, and of course I agreed. It’s too something that can benefit our players, especially the young ones.”
Mainaky emphasized the benefit of sparring with a player of Gideon’s caliber, even at age 35. “Marcus is 35, but he can still provide quality sparring sessions, and I hope the youngsters took it as a learning opportunity after seeing what he can still do on the court,” he added. The opportunity allowed the Malaysian players to test their skills against one of the most successful doubles players in recent history.
Gideon’s visit comes as he continues to consider a potential return to competitive badminton. He announced his retirement in March 2024, bringing an end to a remarkable career alongside Kevin Sukamuljo. Together, the Indonesian duo, often nicknamed “the Minions” due to their quick and agile playing style, dominated the men’s doubles scene for years, holding the world No. 1 ranking for an astounding 260 consecutive weeks from 2017 to 2022. Marcus Fernaldi Gideon’s career has been marked by numerous accolades, including Sudirman Cup and Thomas Cup titles with Indonesia, as well as a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games.
The extended period at the top of the world rankings underscores the impact Gideon and Sukamuljo had on the sport. Their fast-paced, attacking style of play revolutionized men’s doubles, pushing opponents to their limits and captivating audiences worldwide. Gideon and Sukamuljo were recognized for their achievements, earning the BWF Best Male Players of the Year award in both 2017 and 2018.
While Gideon’s current training stint in Malaysia is solely for personal fitness during his family holiday, his potential return to competition remains a topic of interest within the badminton community. His presence at ABM offered a unique opportunity for Malaysian players to learn from a legend of the game, regardless of his future competitive plans. The Academy Badminton Malaysia continues to serve as a hub for developing talent, and the visit from a player of Gideon’s stature further enhances its reputation.
Gideon and his family are expected to continue their vacation in Genting Highlands following his training session at ABM. No further training sessions with the Malaysian team are currently scheduled. Fans eager to follow Gideon’s potential return to the court will be watching for further announcements regarding his competitive plans.
What’s Next: Gideon will continue his family holiday in Genting Highlands. Any decisions regarding a return to competitive play will be announced through his official channels.
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