Two Indonesian badminton players are currently seated as the world’s number one in men’s doubles. The duo of Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo and Marcus Gideon has been undefeated in the Badminton World Federation (BWF)’s rankings since 2017.

Dubbed “the Minions” for their below-average height and agility, they found each other in 2015 and have since dominated international tournaments from Asia to Europe. Known for his fast and aggressive attacks, Sanjaya Sukamuljo found his footing as a perfect complement to Gideon’s calculated defence. During the second full year of their partnership in 2017, the duo swept the BWF Superseries, taking home seven out of nine titles around the world.

Sanjaya Sukamuljo learned playing badminton at the very early age of two, watching his father play. At the age of 11, he won a Graha Bhakti Cup tournament. When he first tried out for his club PB Djarum in Kudus, Central Java, he was at first turned down because of his height. This initial rejection encouraged him to train harder until in 2007, he was finally accepted.

Much like his partner Gideon, Sanjaya Sukamuljo started as a singles player before becoming a successful doubles partner.