Indonesian badminton lost Markis Kido, one of their finest players to grace the game, as the former men’s doubles ace passed away late Monday.
Markis, who was 36 at the time of his death, was reported to have suffered a fatal cardiac arrest while playing badminton in Tangerang, Java.
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Tributes poured in from all over the world for the former Olympic gold medalist and world champion, including Hendra Setiawan, Lee Chong Wei and Tan Boon Heong.
“It is a heartbreaking moment for me to lose one of my best partners in the game. A truly outstanding and talented player. Thank you for being my partner and fighting together for 14 years,” said Hendra.
Lee also paid tribute to the stocky Indonesian, describing him as a player who possessed “relentless smashes and never give up attitude.
“Rest in peace, lagenda Pak Markis,” he said.
Tan Boon Heong, who faced Markis and Hendra on 11 occasions with Koo Kien Kiat, was also crestfallen after learning of the tragedy.
“I got a call from Lee Chong Wei who informed me Markis passed away. I do not know how to react. I was supposed to go to Indonesia to play with him after the pandemic.
“He’s gone from this world before that day came. He was one of the greatest male players. Rest in peace bro,” said Tan via his social media.
Markis won everything the game had to offer in a glittering career.
The highlights of his achievements was at the 2008 Olympics, where he and Hendra came from behind to beat Chinese pair Cai Yun-Fu Haifeing for the gold medal.
A year earlier, Markis won his only world championships title in Kuala Lumpur with Hendra.
He also won the Asian Games gold in 2010, while finishing as runners-up with the national team at the Thomas Cup and Sudirman Cup.
