Dr Hasmah was ‘mother figure’ to 1992 Thomas Cup squad, says Razif Sidek

Datuk Razif Sidek, a national badminton legend, mourned the passing of Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali as a significant loss to the Malaysian badminton community, especially to his fellow members of the 1992 Thomas Cup squad. For the players, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah transcended being just a patron of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to become a mother figure, consistently close by during their preparations.

The former captain of the 1992 Thomas Cup squad, Razif, recounted how she would often attend their training sessions, chat with them, and offer words of encouragement. He expressed the team's eternal gratitude for her contribution when Malaysia triumphed in the Thomas Cup in 1992 at Stadium Negara. Beyond the cherished memory of securing the Thomas Cup, Razif also remembered her unwavering support during the Barcelona Olympics that same year, where both he and his brother Datuk Jalani Sidek made history by winning Malaysia's first Olympic medal.

For the young athletes, Tun Dr Siti Hasmah's presence in Barcelona was particularly meaningful, providing them with motivation and encouragement throughout the Games. Razif emphasized that her presence meant a great deal to himself and his brother, Jalani, giving them the drive to compete at the Olympics. Alhamdulillah, they managed to bring home the country's first Olympic medal at the time, a victory they shared with Tun Dr Siti Hasmah.

The beloved patron of the Badminton Association of Malaysia passed away at the National Heart Institute this morning at the age of 100.