Badminton legend Datuk Punch Gunalan passed away peacefully at 6am Wednesday. He was 68.
Gunalan had been battling with liver cancer for some time.
He
had put Malaysia on the world's map in the 1970s with his immaculate
performances in the singles and doubles events - representing the
country in the Thomas Cup, All-England and Asian Games.
He had
also served with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and
Badminton World Federation (BWF), earning the respect of the world for
his excellent administrative and communication skills and also for his
warmth, kindness and passion for the sport.
Born in 1944 in Sepang, Selangor, Gunalan was inducted into the Olympic Council of Malaysia Hall of Fame in 2004.
While
Malaysians were overwhelmed in 1970 for losing the Thomas Cup, Gunalan
defeated Indonesian legends Injartno and Mirjati in his doubles title
game with partner Ng Boon Bee to regain Malaysia back in the world of
badminton. Despite losing 2-7 to Indonesia at the championship,
Gunalan's victory is something that we can still be proud of.
Gunalan had made a successful career in his life. A talented
right-hander, he was indeed among the finest combination doubles
Malaysia has ever produced. In 1971, Gunalan and Boon Bee again became
the top men's doubles team in the world, winning the prestigious All
England title, as well as the Canadian, Danish and U.S Open titles. His
gifted right-hand amazed people with his exiting smash.
After
his retirement, Gunalan continued his career by coaching the Malaysian
team (Badminton Association of Malaysia) and later being appointed as
the Deputy President of the International Badminton Federation. Under
his reign, he vowed to make badminton as the best racquet sport in the
world.
His continuous contributions and tremendous achievements
in the badminton arena shall always be an inspiration for our young
shuttlers.
Achievements
1969 - Champion, U.S. Open for Men's Double title
1970 - His first contribution in Thomas Cup
1970 - 1972 - Champion, Danish Open for Men's Double title
1971 - Champion, U.S. Open for Men's Double title
1971 - Champion, All England for Men's Double title
1971 - Champion, Canadian Open for Men's double title
2005 - Became Deputy President of the International Badminton Federation
