PETALING JAYA, Aug 24 — Badminton’s former greats remain optimistic about the sport which delivered three silver medals through the men’s singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles events at the Rio Olympics.
They feel the sport will eventually yield the nation’s first Olympic gold medal.
They share their thoughts with Malay Mail.
Datuk Yew Cheng Hoe, 1967 Thomas Cup winner:
“Our badminton players, regardless of categories have done extremely well. Despite winning a silver medal for the mixed doubles, I believe we still created history and made a name for the country. We have been on the top of our game since the 70s. “Winning the gold medal for the finals would have been a turning point for Malaysian badminton, but I can already see a bright future even at this moment. We will definitely collect gold medals if our athletes continue to strive.”
Rashid Sidek, Olympic bronze medalist Atlanta 1996, 1992 Thomas Cup winner:
“This is by far the best performance by the Malaysian shuttlers as we have secured three silver medals. This is a turning point for Malaysian badminton especially in the mixed doubles as we never thought we could go this far. I hope this will inspire many more young players to take up the sport as it has been life changing to see how far we have come. Only sports can unite people of all races, religion and age.”
Datuk Billy Ng Seow Meng, 1967 Thomas Cup winner, 1966 Asian Games Bronze medalist:
“No one expected the Malaysian team to qualify for the mixed doubles finals as we had never created a mark for ourselves in this field. Later, everyone was rooting for Malaysia to win a gold medal for singles, men’s doubles and even mixed doubles. It is important to realise sportsmanship and performance during matches should be an example to follow. I hope the results from the Olympics would encourage more youths dive into the sport and we will soon see badminton delivering our nation’s first gold medal.
Datuk James Selvaraj, 1976 Thomas Cup runner-up:
“Our badminton team performed beyond our expectations. Now we have other athletes to further boost Malaysian badminton instead of solely relying on Lee Chong Wei. With these medals now, it will inspire more young players to be champions just like their idols of yesteryears.”
Koo Kien Keat, World Championship 2010 runner-up:
“We have done well and our performance at Rio will surely be a platform on which to develop more young players. We will continue to see results if our shuttlers continue to receive the support. If you support an athlete, be with them till the end, not only when they secure a medal for the nation.”
Muhammad Hafiz Hashim, 2003 All-England Open champion:
“We have done well at the Olympics. The nation’s capability in producing outstanding players has increased substantially. If we continue performing we are capable of going far.”
Tan Yee Khan, joint winner of the 1965 and 1966 All-England men’s doubles title:
“The players performed well and they showed the standards have risen. Winning gold would have been good for Malaysia but our achievements in Rio have proved we are capable of going even further.”
Rosalind Singha Ang, 1965 SEA Games gold medal winner:
“Watching the badminton players of different categories win various medals at the Olympics last week is certainly a blessing. It is a bigger achievement that our mixed doubles created a name for themselves by bagging a silver medal. I think this is a turning point for many of us to see the greatness of our sportsmen.
Sylvia Ng Eng Meow, 1969, 1974, 1977 SEA Games gold medal winner, 1978 Commonwealth Games gold medalist:
“The entire country has been waiting for this moment and it is super. They (the badminton players) have done the country proud and they deserve nothing but the best.”
Tan Sri Elyas Omar, former president, Badminton Association of Malaysia:
“I believe the seeds (for badminton) had been sown many years ago and today we are seeing the results. It’s such an inspiration to see how far this game has developed in the international arena. I hope the achievements of our national badminton team in Rio will inspire and encourage young people to take up the sport. The sportsmanship among players was remarkable. The Rio Olympics showed unity among Malaysians as people from all walks of life came together cheering them.
Kenny Goh, Badminton Asia chief operating officer
“I think this is an extraordinary feat accomplished by the national team, and this has surpassed all our expectations since I understand their initial target was one medal.
“Not to mention qualifying for three categories in the Olympics badminton finals, and I have to say their on-court attitude and commitment was superb. The achievement of our badminton players will encourage the younger generation to see there is future in playing badminton.”
