The King and Queen of Malaysia, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, recently hosted a tea party and palace tour for four members of the 1967 Thomas Cup badminton team. The team, consisting of Tan Yee Khan, Yew Cheng Hoe, Tan Aik Huang, and Billy Ng, were invited to honor their service to Malaysian sport.
During the event, Sultan Abdullah pushed former doubles specialist Tan Yee Khan, who is unable to walk due to a diabetic foot ulcer, in a wheelchair to a photography session with the other members of the team. The Queen also handed out fruit cakes that she had baked for each of the players for the Chinese Lunar New Year. This gesture moved the players and they were thrilled with the personal touch that the Queen added to the event.
The invitation to the palace came after Sultan Abdullah read an article about the sacrifices made by the 1967 team, and how they had to endure the hostile fans at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta before winning the title. He felt that these players deserved more recognition for their victory and reached out to veteran sports journalists for their contact information to invite them to the palace.
The badminton icons, who are largely unknown to the younger generation of Malaysians, were touched by the unexpected occasion and the interest shown by the royal couple in their past achievements and current lives. Sultan Abdullah also expressed his gratitude to the team for their contribution to the country and to other sportsmen and women who have brought honor to Malaysia. The King also acknowledged the sacrifices and struggles the team went through to achieve their victory and praised their contributions to the country.
