Keeping badminton legacy alive

THE Young Malays Badminton Party, which was renamed Penang Malay Badminton Association a year after Merdeka, has ensured that good local badminton players with potential, regardless of race, were given a chance to go far in the sport. 

A group of young Malay sportsmen formed the association in 1948 and just a year later rallied to help budding young badminton star Law Teik Hock. 

The group initiated a public donation campaign to assist Teik Hock who needed funds to participate in the 1949 Thomas Cup in England. 

“The association has played a vital role in developing badminton in the country.  

“We also did our part to groom Thomas Cup players,’’ said its president Datuk Syed Hussian Aljunid. 

Abdul Rahman,association deputy president Mohamad Ali Sheikh Isa Zubaidee(fourth left)and Syed Hussian(right)enjoying a chat with former Thomas Cup heroes(from left)Kew San,Ewe Hock,Teik Hock, Eddy and Ewe Chye.

He was speaking during a recent high tea with Penang Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas. 

Abdul Rahman had mooted the idea to hold a reception for the association members and pay tribute to Thomas Cup heroes from Penang. 

The high tea attracted 200 members and famous former Malaysian shuttlers Datuk Eddy Choong, Law Teik Hock, Teh Kew San, Ong Ewe Chye and Ong Ewe Hock. 

“We have come a long way. We have created a legacy for the younger generation to inherit. 

“We must make sure that the will to succeed continues,” Syed Hussian said, adding that the association hoped to groom more gifted young players. 

He said the youngsters must appreciate history and learn from the past. 

The aim of the association was to scout for Malay talents. The players were trained to meet international challenges. 

The association groomed the winners of the Dunlop Cup in the 1950s and the Malay State Rulers Cup in 1960s. 

The group had also sent players to international tournaments such as the France Cup in the 1960s.  

It was a historic moment for the association when Shaikh Mohd Anis Zubaidi qualified for the semi-finals of the France Open badminton tournament in 1961. 

The association's former shuttlers include Z. A. Adnan, Yassin Sani, Manap Ahmad and Fazil Sultan.