Long time coming: (From left): Noraseela Mohd Khalid, V. Subramaniam, Datuk Zaiton Othman, student from Bukit Jalil Sports School, MOA advisor Datuk Shahrudin Mohd Ali, V. Selvam, Farah Begum Abdullah, Khoo Chong Beng, Koo Boon Jin, Datuk Ng Joo Ngan, Datuk Sylvia Ng and BJSS students.
PETALING JAYA: Forgive and forget.
That spirit prevailed when former athletes were given their due recognition during a special gathering organised by the Malaysian Olympians Association (MOA) during their annual general meeting at OCM Hall yesterday.
Among the highlights was the long-awaited reprieve for bowling legend Koo Boon Jin, whose 37-year suspension was finally lifted by the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC).
The 82-year-old, suspended for remarks made against officials in 1988, revealed that MTBC had officially cleared his name and even invited him to officiate the Peter Yap Memorial Cup and Senior Finals at Sunway Mega Lanes yesterday.
“Although I had served the two-year suspension, the ban was never lifted as I was told I must make a public apology to be accepted back,” said Boon Jin.
“I recently met with MTBC, and they have decided to lift my suspension and have me officiate the senior tournament.”
Boon Jin, a member of the 1979 World Championships gold-medal team in Manila, shared his joy during the MOA event, where eight other sporting icons were also honoured.
They were V. Subramaniam (race walk), Farah Begum Abdullah (diving), Datuk Zaiton Othman (heptathlon), Datuk Sylvia Ng (badminton), Datuk Ng Joo Ngan (cycling), Khoo Chong Beng (race walk) and V. Selvam (tennis).
MOA president and former national sprinter Noraseela Mohd Khalid said she welcomed the lifting of Boon Jin’s suspension and stressed the importance of resolving disputes quickly.
“This is something we like to see, that situations can be solved, not delayed.
“It shows the sport is proactive,” she added.
Noraseela also reminded that some former athletes are still waiting for incentives promised in the past.
“Small things like meeting them, lifting bans, fulfilling promises – that’s what they want most,” she added.
Besides honouring the legends, MOA also extended invitations to all awardees to join the association as guest members.
