PENANG has long been a major contributor to Malaysia’s medal haul at international competitions, including the SEA Games (formerly the SEAP Games), Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and the Olympic Games.
Tan Sri Dr Mohamad Norza Zakaria, vice-president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and president of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM), paid tribute to the Penang Badminton Association (PBA) for producing countless outstanding players who have proudly worn national colours and brought honour to Malaysia on the world stage.
“Their achievements are closely tied to the consistent efforts of the Penang Badminton Association, which has not only upheld technical excellence but also instilled the values of discipline, sportsmanship and perseverance — qualities that continue to define Malaysian badminton today,” he said in his speech at the PBA’s 100th Anniversary Celebration at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre in Relau yesterday.
Norza shared that according to OCM records, when badminton was first introduced at the Southeast Asian Peninsular (SEAP) Games in 1959, Penang’s prominent shuttlers, including Teh Kew San, Tan Gaik Bee, Ng Mei Ling, Tan Aik Huang, Yap Hei Lin, Ng Tat Wai and Ho Khim Khoi, contributed numerous medals to the Malaysian contingent between 1961 and 1973.
He added that when OCM initiated the transformation of the SEAP Games into the Southeast Asian Games in 1977, PBA continued to produce an exceptional roster of medallists. Among them were Saw Swee Leong, Ho Khim Soon, Tan Sui Hoon, Ong Ewe Chye, Ong Ewe Hock, Lim Siew Choon and Chew Choon Eng, who excelled throughout the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.
Reflecting on the past 25 years, Norza said PBA has upheld this proud tradition by developing top-tier players such as Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei, Chin Ee Hui, Chan Peng Soon, Lim Khim Wah, Goh Jin Wei, Tee Jing Yi, Cheah Yee See, Lee Shun Yang, Goh Boon Zhe, Rayner Beh Chun Meng and Lee Xin Jie — all of whom have contributed significantly to Malaysia’s SEA Games success.
“In total, Malaysia has won 219 badminton medals at the SEAP and SEA Games. Penang’s players have contributed 71 of these medals, representing 32.4%. This includes 14 of our 50 gold medals, 24 of 62 silver medals and 33 of 107 bronze medals,” he said
At the Commonwealth Games, Malaysia has won 66 badminton medals from 1966 to 2022. Penang’s shuttlers contributed 24 medals, or 36.4% — comprising 14 of 31 gold medals, seven of 23 silver medals, and three of 12 bronze medals.
In the Asian Games, Malaysia has secured 35 badminton medals from 1962 to 2014, with Penang players contributing a remarkable 17, or 48.6%. This includes four of nine gold medals, four of seven silver medals and nine of 19 bronze medals.
“The pinnacle came when badminton was included in the Olympic Games in 1992. Since then, Malaysia has won 11 Olympic badminton medals — six silver and five bronze. Penang’s players have been integral to this success, with Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei delivering three silver medals in men’s singles, while Chan Peng Soon added one silver medal in mixed doubles.
“Additionally, Goh Jin Wei delivered Malaysia’s only gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games in 2018.
“Let us give a round of applause to honour the outstanding achievements of Penang’s badminton players across all major multi-sport games under the jurisdiction of OCM,” Norza said.
Some 2,000 people attended the centennial celebration, including Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Sports Minister Hannah Yeow, Human Resources Minister Steven Sim, state Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen, Penang BA president Datuk Kah Kau Kiak and the PBA 100th Anniversary ambassador Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei.
Among the badminton stars present were Japan’s Kento Momota; Datuk Teh Kew San and his wife Datin Ng Mei Ling; Datuk Tan Aik Huang; Datuk Yew Cheng Hoe; Yap Hei Lin; Khor Lay See; Saw Swee Leong; Yeap Eng Seng and wife Leong Chai Lean; Koay Kar Lin; Ho Khim Soon; Khaw Cheow Kheng; Chuah Han Khim; Rashid Sidek; Foo Kok Keong; Ong Ewe Hock; Roslin Hashim; Kwan Yoke Meng; Chew Choon Eng; Rina Tan; Lim Siew Choon; Lee Yin Yin; and Goh Jin Wei.
Norza made special mention of PBA president Datuk Kah Kau Kiak, praising his leadership, dedication and significant contributions over the past decade.
He said Penang has maintained its distinguished reputation as the “cradle of national badminton players”, and that PBA’s century-long journey stands as a testament to endurance, unity and shared purpose.
“From grassroots development and tournament organisation to talent identification and community engagement, the association has built a strong foundation that continues to inspire new generations. Its contributions have shaped Penang into a badminton powerhouse, producing players who have made lasting contributions to our nation’s sporting history.
“The perseverance and commitment shown throughout these hundred years deserve our highest respect. The legacy of the Penang Badminton Association reminds us that excellence is not achieved overnight; it is built through decades of dedication, collaboration and continuous progress,” he said.
Looking ahead, Norza expressed hope that plans to establish a Badminton Association of Malaysia Northern Region Academy in Penang can be realised. He encouraged PBA to continue leveraging its experience and legacy to innovate, inspire and lead.
“May the association continue to thrive and contribute to the ongoing growth and success of Malaysian badminton,” he said.
Video greetings from Badminton World Federation president Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul and Chinese legends Yang Yang and Xiong Guo Bao also marked the occasion, congratulating PBA on its historic milestone and wishing it greater achievements in the years ahead.
As PBA enters its second century, badminton enthusiasts hope its legacy, forged through belief, perseverance and generations of extraordinary talents, will continue with smashing success.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Siew Chia En