BADMINTON legend Datuk Tan Yee Khan, who passed away today at the age of 85, may have been a towering figure on court, but those who knew him remember him as a man with a gentle heart.
A member of Malaysia’s victorious 1967 Thomas Cup team, Yee Khan had been suffering from various ailments, including heart problems and dementia, for several years.
Former national shuttler Datuk James Selvaraj, who had kept in touch with Yee Khan, described him as soft-hearted despite his imposing physique.
“There were players who liked him and players who did not. But for those who stayed with him, they learnt a great deal when he served as national coach in 1982,” James said.
“He might have looked fierce, but he got things done. He might have been harsh at times, but he meant no harm.”
While saddened by Yee Khan’s passing, James said there was comfort in knowing that he no longer had to endure suffering.
James credited Yee Khan for playing an instrumental role as national coach in 1982, when Razif and Jalaini Sidek won the All England men’s doubles title. At the time, James, who had represented Malaysia for more than a decade from 1970, was assisting him.
“While Yee Khan was renowned as a great doubles player, especially alongside the late Ng Boon Bee, he was also an outstanding singles player. He won the World Invitation men’s singles title in Japan in 1966, defeating Denmark’s great Erland Kops,” said James, whose own career highlight was winning the Thomas Cup silver medal in 1976 in Bangkok.
James also recalled how Yee Khan brought together former Thomas Cup and national players for a reunion at his Seaview Resort on Pangkor Island several years ago.
“There were about 100 of us. Some stayed one night, others two or three. I remember former Singapore national players Wee Choon Seng and Wong Tew Ghee were also there. We had a wonderful time reminiscing and renewing old camaraderie,” he said.
James added that he would be travelling with another badminton great, Datuk Yew Cheng Hoe, to pay their last respects tomorrow.
Cheng Hoe said he and Yee Khan had been friends for more than 60 years.
“He was a very good friend — caring and kind to all of us. Almost every year, he would gather former players at his hotel for two nights to renew old friendships. We have lost a very dear friend. I am glad he has now joined Boon Bee and can rest in peace,” he said.
He recalled last meeting Yee Khan in 2023, when they were among several former players honoured by the then Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah at Istana Negara.
“Although physically weak, Yee Khan attended in a wheelchair because it was a special moment for all of us,” Cheng Hoe said.
Former Bernama chief executive officer and editor-in-chief Datuk Yong Soo Heong, now president of the Malaysian Press Institute, said that while Yee Khan was best known for his outstanding doubles exploits, he also represented Malaysia in golf at the Putra Cup.
“Yee Khan had one of the best long-distance drives among the Putra Cuppers,” Yong said.
“As a fellow Hainanese, I am immensely proud of his sporting prowess, which helped Malaysia shine in both badminton and golf during the amateur era, when prize money was virtually unheard of.
“In his heyday, Yee Khan possessed one of the most powerful smashes on the court. Although better known as a hard-hitting doubles player, he was also formidable in singles during his younger days.”
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) said it was deeply saddened by the passing of one of the nation’s great badminton figures
BAM secretary general Datuk Kenny Goh said Yee Khan was part of the national men’s team that captured the historic 1967 Thomas Cup, and formed one of the most dominant men’s doubles partnerships of the 1960s alongside the late Datuk Ng Boon Bee.
Together, they won two Asian Games men’s doubles gold medals (1962, 1966), two All England titles (1965, 1966), the Asian Championships title (1965), three SEA Games gold medals (1961, 1965, 1967), and five Malaysia Open titles (1963, 1964, 1965, 1967, 1968).
“Yee Khan’s achievements and dedication helped shape Malaysia’s standing on the world stage, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations,” Kenny said.
“The thoughts of everyone at the Association are with Datuk Tan Yee Khan’s family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Penang Badminton Association (PBA) president Datuk Kah Kau Kiak said he was proud to hail from Pangkor Island, the same island as Yee Khan.
He recalled being among thousands lining Penang Road to celebrate the 1967 Thomas Cup victory parade.
Another unforgettable memory came during a national training session at the Han Chiang High School badminton hall.
“I sneaked in to watch the training and saw Yee Khan and Boon Bee pairing up against Tan Aik Huang. I was so engrossed by their high standard of play that I did not even hear the school bell ring. No regrets about missing class,” he said.
“That match left a deep impression on me. I never imagined I would one day become PBA president. We are extremely proud of Yee Khan’s immense contribution to Malaysian badminton.”
Former national player Ong Ewe Hock, one of Penang’s top shuttlers in the 1990s, said he had heard much about Yee Khan despite belonging to a different era.
“I spoke to him when I stayed at his hotel. He was a very nice person. We always cherish the pioneers for their sacrifices and dedication,” he said.
Long-time friend Datuk Sylvia Ng said Yee Khan’s passing deeply saddened her.
“He was liked by most people and always helpful. Some might say he talked a lot, but he was frank and spoke his mind without regard for status. That was Tan Yee Khan,” she said.
She described him as generous, often extending hospitality and special rates at his hotel to both male and female players.
“Almost everyone on Pangkor Island knows Seaview Hotel and Yee Khan. When he celebrated his 70th birthday, he invited all of us, including the late Tan Sri Khir Johari. I still remember star player Ong Poh Lim, known for his crocodile service, being there.
“He would show video footage of the 1967 Thomas Cup victory at his resort, and we would all watch together,” said Sylvia, a former gold medallist at the SEA Games, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
The wake will be held tomorrow (Jan 27) from 12pm to 10pm at Vcare Memorial Centre, No. 82, Jalan Masjid, 30300 Ipoh, Perak, and again at 8.30am on Jan 28, before the cortege departs at 10am for the final rites and cremation at Papan Memorial Park Crematorium, Ipoh.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix courtesy of interviewees