KUALA LUMPUR, June 15 – Gone too soon and the badminton world, especially in Asia is still coming to terms with the sudden demise of Indonesia’s Olympics and Asian Games gold medallist Markis Kido who died of a heart attack on Monday.
He was only 36 – born in Jakarta on August 11, 1984. Kido collapsed on the badminton court while playing the game in Tangerang on Monday.
Efforts to resuscitate him on court failed and he was rushed to hospital where he passed away.
Those who knew him and were close to him are devastated. His doubles partner Hendra Setiawan with whom he won the gold medal in the men’s doubles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics described him as the ”best partner.” Hendra has yet to come to terms with Kido’s death.
Another badminton personality who is reeling with Kido’s passing is newly elected BWF council member Bambang Roedyanto (Rudy), who is the All-Indonesia Badminton Association (PBSI) international relations manager.“I was one of the die-hard fan of Kido and Hendra. I followed them at some tournaments and got to know him (Kido) well, especially when I was part of PBSI. Kido was a very funny guy and very humble and more importantly respected by all.
“It was shocking news to all of us. Just could not believe he is gone. He will be dearly missed,” said Rudy from Tokyo where he is currently based as the deputy sports manager for badminton for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Badminton Asia’s Senior Events Manager Chooi Weng Sheng is still in shock after coming to know of Kido’s death.
It was ‘love at first sight’ when he first met Kido at the Asian Championships in Hyderabad in 2005.
”We hit off instantly and he became my favourite player. I first met him in Hyderabad and our friendship developed from there. He was humble, friendly and very approachable. He was also a jovial guy,” said Weng Sheng.
“No matter where a tournament was played, Kido was very popular with the crowd. On court he was a delight to watch and many admired his play. Even in ‘enemy’ territory he had his own fan base.”
One match which stands out is the 2008 Beijing Olympics when the Indonesian pair beat home favourites, Cai Yun-Fu Haifeng 12-21, 21-11, 21-16 in a thriller that put a dent in China’s pride. Still, they were not short of support in the stands.
Kido and Setiawan also won the 2010 Asian Games (Guangzhou) gold apart from winning the the World Championships in Kuala Lumpur in 2007.
A year earlier the pair won the World Cup in Yiyang Hunan, China.
The pair also ruled the SEA Games – winning the men’s doubles and team gold seven times.
They also featured in the Thomas Cup three times – in 2006, 2008 and 2010 and the Sudirman Cup in 2007 and 2009.
*(Pic credit to PBSI)
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