The mother of Malaysia’s badminton family
For more than two decades Dr Hasmah Ali was a constant presence around Malaysia’s badminton family, sharing its triumphs, anxieties and unforgettable moments.
Dr Hasmah Ali, fondly known as the "mother of Malaysia’s badminton family," passed away at the age of 100. Her legacy in Malaysian badminton is deeply rooted in her role as the Patron of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and her profound impact on the sport's national players. The story of her influence is best exemplified by the 1992 Thomas Cup final, when she played the role of a mother to the country's top doubles pair, Cheah Soon Kit and Soo Beng Kiang.
As her husband, former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, watched from the stands, Hasmah encouraged the pair to trust each other, leading them to clinch the decisive match and secure the trophy for the fifth time. This moment, marked by her unique ability to build a strong team spirit, is etched in the memories of Malaysia's badminton legends.
Hasmah's dedication extended beyond the court, as she supported young talent through her charitable organization, Bakti, and even visited injured badminton star Kento Momota in the hospital. Her influence on the sport and the players was not defined by titles or positions, but rather by the heartfelt feeling of being cared for like her own children.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- The mother of Malaysia’s badminton family freemalaysiatoday.com
