National heroes: The King and Queen with former national badminton players (from left) James, Yee Khan (wheel chair), Billy, Aik Huang, Yew, Sylvia and Moey at Istana Negara. — Photo taken from Istana Negara’s Facebook page
PETALING JAYA: Members of the 1967 Thomas Cup badminton team were feted at Istana Negara in a tea reception graced by the King and Queen.
Apart from feting the legendary shuttlers, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah also expressed their highest appreciation for their great service and contribution to the country.
The team members present for the reception held on Friday were Datuk Yew Cheng Hoe, Datuk Billy Ng Seow Meng, Datuk Tan Yee Khan, Datuk Teh Kew San and Tan Aik Huang.
Also present were two former national Uber Cup badminton players from the 1950s and 1970s, Jean Moey and Sylvia Ng, as well as 1976 Thomas Cup badminton player Datuk James Selvaraj.
Former local sports journalists such as Datuk Fauzi Omar, Datuk George Das, Datuk Lazarus Rokk and Datuk Johnson Fernandez were also in attendance.
Also present was former Bernama CEO and editor-in-chief Datuk Yong Soo Heong.
The 1967 Thomas Cup badminton tournament held at Istora Senayan, Jakarta, saw Malaysia taking the title for the fourth time after defeating the hosts 6-3 in a tense final.
The players who won the 1967 Thomas Cup are Teh, Yee Khan, Billy, Aik Huang and Yew.
