Say Hup – the passing of a legend

PETALING JAYA: Former Thomas Cupper Lim Say Hup, who played for the country in the 1958, 1961 and 1964 series of the world team competition, passed away recently at his residence in Manila. 

Say Hup, who was 70 years old, was best known for winning the All-England men’s doubles title in 1959 with Teh Kew San. Besides Kew San, his doubles partners included Johnny Heah. 

Say Hup won many international tournaments, including the Glasgow World Invitational, All-Canadian Championships, All-American Championships and Malaysian Open partnering them.  

Say Hup received a bachelor’s degree with honours in history from Universiti Malaya in 1959. He retired from badminton in 1964.  

He had also worked for the Commerce and Industry Ministry, Esso and the Asian Development Bank in Manila. 

Say Hup’s younger brother, Datuk Lim Say Chong, said that his brother showed that it was not difficult to excel in studies and sports. 

“My younger brother, Datuk Dr Lim Say Wan, and I looked up to him.  

“Say Hup showed us that it was possible to combine sport with studies,” said Say Chong. 

“I was in the Penang state football and hockey teams from 1958 to 1959. Say Wan played badminton for Singapore from 1960 to 1963.” 

Say Chong added that Say Hup was a cool player, who never lost his temper on the court.