FORMER national shuttlers Ong Ewe Hock, Ong Ewe Chye and Roslin Hashim made their presence felt during the ‘Klinik Badminton Kadun Padang Kota 2023’ at the Chinese Recreation Club (CRC) in Jalan Padang Victoria today.
The former stars were present to give their moral support to all the 65 participants, aged between eight and 25.
The clinic was jointly organised by the Padang Kota Service Centre, Padang Kota Penang Youth Committee (JBPP) and Padang Kota Village Community Management Council (MPKK).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who is also the Padang Kota assemblyman and Batu Kawan MP, extended his appreciation to the organisers as well as the sponsors when he launched the programme.
He also acknowledged the presence of Ewe Hock, Ewe Chye and Roslin at the clinic.
“They (Ewe Hock, Ewe Chye and Roslin) have contributed much to the development of badminton in Malaysia.
“This clinic is open to all the badminton enthusiasts, especially those who are still schooling.
“We also have among us participants who have already entered the working field.
“Badminton is a sport that can be played even if we get old,” Chow added.
Chow also added that badminton is a lifelong sport that can be played either competitively or as a leisure activity.
Meanwhile, Chow also took the opportunity to partner with Ewe Hock in a friendly doubles game against Roslin and Ewe Chye.
It was more of an exhibition match with Chow showing his best strokes and the three other former internationals showing glimpses of their past brilliance.
Ewe Hock, 50, has a string of titles under his belt, including the Malaysian Open from 1996 to 2001, while his older brother Ewe Chye has played in several tournaments, especially partnering Rahman Sidek in the Thomas Cup.
Roslin, a former national champion, has won several international tournaments, including the 1998 Dutch Open, 2001 Swiss Open, 2001 Japan Open and 2007 Japan Open.
It is learned that the clinic, which was sponsored by redONE, was conducted by the coaches from CRC Badminton Academy and PGBC Badminton Club.
The participants were also given free badminton racquets, T-shirts and meals at the programme.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Ahmad Adil Muhamad,