Badminton legend turns 89

A CLOSE-knit group of friends gathered to celebrate former badminton player Datuk Teh Kew San’s birthday in Penang.

Teh, fondly known as Ah Pek, turned 89.

The big group of 54, comprising mostly former international and state players, was a testament to the respect Teh had earned over the years.

He is well-known for being the captain of the Malaysian squad who beat archrivals Indonesia in the Thomas Cup in 1967.

“I am truly happy to meet old and young friends on this special occasion. This makes my day,” Teh said.

Teh (in white, near birthday cake), wife Mei Ling (beside him), Lee (in red, second row), Saw (front row, left), Yong (front row, third from left) and other guests at the celebration.

Also sharing the joy was his wife of 65 years, Datin Ng Mei Ling.

“Whenever people talk about badminton, his face will light up. He still has very good memories of his triumphs and defeats,” Mei Ling told Buletin Mutiara.

The 1967 Thomas Cup victory marked Teh’s fourth and final Thomas Cup, following his participation in 1958, 1961 and 1964.

Considered an outstanding all-rounder, Teh achieved numerous victories in singles, doubles and mixed doubles.

His notable singles titles included the Mexico City International in 1960 and the Asian Badminton Championships in 1962.

In the men’s doubles, Teh and Lim Say Hup formed a formidable pair, achieving their peak in 1959 with victories in the Glasgow World Invitation, All-England, Canada Open, US Open, Malaysian Open and Mexico International.

Teh also showed his prowess in mixed doubles, winning the 1962 Malayan Open and the 1965 Malaysian event with his wife.

He was a unique athlete because beyond badminton, he demonstrated versatility in other sports.

He represented Penang in cricket, Chinese Recreation Club in hockey, Anglo Chinese School in basketball and Penang Island City Council (formerly Penang Island Municipal Council) in football.

Chief celebration organiser Ho Khim Soon, a former national shuttler himself, said they had been holding the birthday celebration for Teh almost every year.

“He is our badminton master. Penang shuttlers who have reached a certain standard have all gone through his hands. We all look up to him,” he said.

Also present was Khim Soon’s elder brother Khim Kooi, who secured the 1971 SEA Games silver medal in badminton with Ng Tat Wai.

Saw Swee Leong, a member of the 1976 Thomas Cup squad which upset the form books to reach the final before bowing out to Indonesians, travelled from Ipoh for the celebration.

“We were lucky to have access to the Long Say building which Ah Pek’s club used for training.

“We were privileged to play against him and he generously shared his knowledge,” said Saw, who retired from badminton in 1982.

Datuk Yong Soo Heong, former Bernama editor-in-chief, came from Kuala Lumpur for the celebration.

“This is a wonderful reunion of badminton players from Penang of some 50 years ago,” said Yong.

“It brings back memories of our intense club rivalry. Teh and his band of followers hailed from ACS Union while another contemporary, Goh Teong Hoe and I were from Gan’s Badminton Party.”

Fong Lay Guat, a former national player, albeit for a short period, expressed her admiration for Teh for his contributions to the nation.

“When I trained at Chinese Recreation Club, he stressed on developing a strong foundation.”

Lee Gin Cheng, the father of Malaysian No.1 Uber Cup player Yin Yin in 1998 and 2000, attended the event along with his wife, Moey Bee Lian.

“He was our mentor and gave me valuable advice on coaching my children.”