PETALING JAYA: Few in Malaysian badminton could match the versatility of the late Datuk Teh Kew San.
And former teammate Datuk Tan Aik Huang believes the country may never see another all-rounder quite like him again.
Kew San passed away on Thursday at the age of 91, leaving behind a rich legacy in the sport.
He was part of Malaysia’s historic 1967 Thomas Cup-winning team alongside Datuk Tan Yee Khan, Datuk Ng Boon Bee, Datuk Yew Cheng Hoe, Datuk Billy Ng and Aik Huang. Today, only Aik Huang, Cheng Hoe and Billy remain from the victorious squad.
Aik Huang, 80, described Kew San as a rare talent who excelled in men’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles.
“No one in the history of Malaysian badminton has played three events like Kew San and excelled in all of them,” said Aik Huang.
Kew San captured the 1959 All-England doubles title with longtime partner Lim Say Hup, won the men’s singles crown at the 1962 Asian Championships, and claimed the Malaya Open mixed doubles titles in 1962 and 1965 with Ng Mei Ling, whom he was married to.
He also partnered Rosalind Singha Ang to mixed doubles gold at the 1966 Asian Games.
Aik Huang said the success of Kew San and the 1967 Thomas Cup squad was built on pride in representing the country rather than personal sacrifice.
“No one talked about sacrifice. It never crossed our minds. It was always about playing with pride and dignity for the country,” he said.
Back then, the players had limited resources, often reusing worn-out shuttles and waiting for their turn to train at the Selangor Badminton Association hall in Kampung Attap.
Aik Huang said he was happy to see how much the sport had progressed under the Badminton Association of Malaysia at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara.
“It’s unfair to compare players from different eras because times have changed,” he said.
“I’m just happy to see how far badminton in this country has come.
“The players now receive the best coaching and training, and the sport offers a much brighter future.
“My only advice is to play with pride and dignity for the country.
“Don’t give up easily and continue the good tradition in Malaysian badminton. We can still achieve more.”
Malaysia ended their long wait for world champions through Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik in 2022 and Chen Tang Jie-Toh Ee Wei in 2025.
However, the country are still chasing their first Olympic Games gold medal and a first Thomas Cup title since 1992.
