Sentuhan keibuan Hasmah buat badminton Malaysia

Dr Hasmah Ali, a former Malaysian Prime Minister's wife, passionately campaigned for Malaysia to win the prestigious Thomas Cup badminton championship for 25 years. In the climactic final of Piala Thomas 1992, she stood by her loyal supporters Cheah Soon Kit and Soo Beng Kiang as they battled against Indonesia's Ricky Subagja and Rexy Mainaky.

The crowd was electrified with anticipation, witnessing the nation's hope hanging in the balance. However, the history books do not reveal the intimate moments of comfort Hasmah provided to the two champions during their intense struggle. She spoke from her heart to them, assuring Soon Kit that there was no rival stronger than Beng Kiang, and repeating the same plea to Beng Kiang.

Despite her words, they fought as one soul to clinch the victory with a score of 15-12, 10-15, 15-8, making Malaysia the third-time champion of the Thomas Cup. Hasmah breathed her last at the age of 100 on the evening of that historic day. Having dedicated more than 20 years as the Bulletin of the Malaysian Badminton Association (BAM), her legacy in the sport extends beyond mere accolades.

Cheah Soon Kit and Soo Beng Kiang owe their triumph to her support when they faced Indonesia in the final of the Thomas Cup in 1992. (Image on Facebook) The essence of her support was ensuring that they always function as a team. "I never interfered with the technical aspects of the game; that was the job of the coach," she said, decades after those words.

Upon revisiting the 1992 nostalgia album during the launch of "Tun Dr Siti Hasmah's Badminton Legacy" in 2019, the memories still brought tears to her eyes. "I was difficult to swallow and shed tears every time I think of (1992), the last time we won the Thomas Cup," she recalled. "That moment is impossible for me to forget because these players are like my own children, and they looked at me as a mother."

Dr Hasmah Ali was accompanied by national badminton legends, including Rashid Sidek, at the launch of "Tun Dr Siti Hasmah's Badminton Legacy" in 2019. (Image on Facebook) It was in this moment that the secret behind her soothing Soon Kit and Beng Kiang was revealed. As a mother, it became her duty to mend their hearts. The world's former champions, now elderly and white-haired, still feel the connection they share with her.

To her, the bond of an aunt is irreplaceable. When former champions approached her for advice on the essence of her support throughout her badminton career, each expressed sentiments of being cherished and supported. "Like a mother." "Calming the mind." "Comforting." "Very soothing." Her presence always infused strength into them, from training sessions to the climactic moment of the match.

Her motivational words made them feel loved and encouraged, making them believe that her legacy played a crucial role in their success. For Soon Kit and Beng Kiang, the call she made before the final match in 1992 continues to echo in their hearts as they step onto the field. At times, just before the biggest challenge of an athlete's life, all they needed was assurance that their partner on the field was not an enemy but a fellow competitor they could rely on.

Dr Hasmah Ali paid tribute to Japanese badminton star Kento Momota at Putrajaya Hospital in January 2020 after the player was injured during a road accident shortly after winning the Malaysia Masters. (Image of Kento Momota) Although Hasmah had retired from her BAM role in 2007, her love for the sport still permeated her actions.

She continued to support the nurturing of young talent, creating opportunities for the sport's legacy to thrive in the next generation. However, the national players always held a special place in her heart. She remembered their joys, victories, and disappointments, but most importantly, the camaraderie that made the team special.

Winning the 1992 Thomas Cup remains a historic moment in Malaysian badminton's Olympic journey, as Rashid Sidek won the silver medal when the sport was first featured at the Barcelona Games. For Hasmah, though, the victory of the Thomas Cup remained close to her heart. She watched as the players carried the nation's hope onto the field, understanding that the pride of the medal and the glory of the cup were won by people who trusted each other.

Her concern for badminton never wavered, even after her BAM ties ended. On January 13, 2020, she visited world number one badminton player Kento Momota at Putrajaya Hospital after the player was involved in a road accident a few hours after winning the Malaysia Masters. At that time, she was no longer the BAM's envoy; there were no protocols or formal obligations for her to do so, but she still showed up. Her actions aligned with the attitude of the players towards her.