Marcus Gideon Trains with Malaysian Players, Considers Competitive Return
Former World No. 1 Joins Training Session at Academy Badminton Malaysia
PETALING JAYA – Former world No. 1 men’s doubles shuttler Marcus Gideon of Indonesia recently spent a day training with players at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM). The session provided a valuable opportunity for Malaysian players to learn from one of the sport’s most accomplished doubles specialists.
Family Holiday Provides Training Opportunity
Gideon, who turned 35 last week, is currently in Malaysia on a family holiday. He took the initiative to reach out to the ABM and request access to training facilities to maintain his fitness.
Marcus is just here for a holiday with his family, but he is someone who loves to sweat it out,said Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky.Rexy Mainaky, BAM Doubles Coaching Director
Mainaky emphasized the benefits of the training session for the younger players at ABM.
It’s also something that can benefit our players, especially the young ones. 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,added Mainaky.Rexy Mainaky, BAM Doubles Coaching Director
Potential Return to Competition?
Gideon recently revealed he is considering a return to competition
after announcing his retirement in March 2024. He and former partner Kevin Sukamuljo previously held the world No. 1 ranking for an impressive 260 consecutive weeks, from 2017 to 2022.
Did you know?
Marcus Gideon and Kevin Sukamuljo were known as “The Minions” during their dominant run in men’s doubles badminton.
Pro Tip
Sparring with experienced players like Marcus Gideon can significantly improve a young athlete’s tactical awareness and court skills.
FAQ
- Is Marcus Gideon officially part of the Malaysian national team? No, he is in Malaysia on holiday and trained with the team by invitation.
- When did Marcus Gideon retire? He retired in March 2024.
- How long did Marcus Gideon and Kevin Sukamuljo hold the world No. 1 ranking? They held the top spot for 260 consecutive weeks.
Gideon’s visit to ABM underscores his continued passion for the sport and provides a valuable learning experience for the next generation of Malaysian badminton players. While his competitive future remains uncertain, his presence on the court continues to inspire.