Jakarta: Indonesia’s legendary men’s doubles coach, Herry Iman Pierngadi, has confirmed that World No. 1 men’s doubles player Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo will be representing Indonesia at the Sudirman Cup which is scheduled to take place from Sept 26 to Oct 3 in Vantaa, Finland and the Thomas Cup Finals in Aarhus, Denmark, from Oct 9 to Oct 17.
Pierngadi told the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) website that Sukamuljo has been making excellent progress from his shoulder and knee injury.
“After the Olympics, Kevin experienced a little problem with his shoulder and knee. There was a slight problem with his muscles in those areas. It was checked by medical experts and fortunately, the injury was not too serious,” said Pierngadi to PBSI.
Sukamuljo is currently undergoing therapy so he could appear at the 2021 Sudirman Cup and the Thomas Finals.
“Indeed, we have to create a slightly different training program for Kevin and Marcus so that they could get back their rhythm gradually,” added Pierngadi.
“Training for Ahsan, Hendra is running normally,” revealed Pierngadi.
PBSI officially announced its Sudirman Cup roster on Monday, and Indonesia’s three top men’s doubles pairs, World No. 1 Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, World No. 2 Mohammad Ahsan/Hendra Setiawan, and World No. 7 Fajar Alfian/Muhammad Rian Ardianto were selected as part of the team.
“I don’t want to take the risk and try to bring other men’s pairs because I think it’s not the time yet,” explained Pierngadi.
In addition to the three men’s pairs above, World No. 38 Leo Rolly Carnando/Daniel Marthin are also promising young pairs from Indonesia.
Here is the list of the Indonesian Sudirman Cup squad:
Male Players:
Anthony Sinisuka Ginting
Jonatan Christie
Shesar Hiren Rhustavito
Marcus Fernaldi Gideon
Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo
Mohammad Ahsan
Hendra Setiawan
Fajar Alfian
Muhammad Rian Ardianto
Praveen Jordan
Rinov Rivaldy
Female Players:
Gregoria Mariska Tunjung
Putri Kusuma Wardani
Ester Nurumi Tri Wardoyo
Greysia Polii
Apriyani Rahayu
Ribka Sugiarto
Siti Fadia Silva Ramadhanti
Melati Daeva Oktavianti
Pitha Haningtyas Mentari
