PETALING JAYA: It was a sombre day as local badminton personalities join family members to pay their last respects to Datuk Punch Gunalan.
The badminton legend, who passed away aged 68 of liver cancer on Wednesday morning, was spoken of fondly by many who came.
Among those who were at his house in Jalan 12/14B here on Thursday were Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) honorary secretary Ng Chin Chai, former BAM deputy president Datuk Roland Wong, former badminton players Razif Sidek, Cheah Soon Kit and Ong Ewe Hock.
Many others had paid their respects on Wednesday night after learning of his demise.
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek also paid his respects and handed over a RM11,000 contribution from the National Athletes Welfare Foundation (Yakeb) to Punch's family members.
Punch, whose real name is Panchacharan Gunalan, was described as a "brilliant master strategist" who helped place Malaysian badminton on the world map.
His remains were later taken to the Kampung Tunku Crematorium.
Related Stories: Punch a smashing sportsman Nation mourns Punch's death Punch watched Chong Wei-Lin Dan match despite being weak Malaysians remember Punch Gunalan
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