KUALA LUMPUR – Legendary badminton doubles player Datuk Ng Boon Bee passed away today aged 84, due to an aneurysm at 4pm in Ipoh Hospital.
The announcement was issued by the Badminton Association of Malaysia with a message of condolence: “The thoughts of everyone at the association are with Boon Bee, his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Ng formed one of the most dominant men’s doubles pairs of the 1960s – arguably of the century – with Datuk Tan Yee Khan.
The duo won two men’s doubles titles in the Asian Games held in 1962 and 1966, as well as claiming the All England badminton championship in 1965 and 1966.
They also bagged a record-breaking six titles at the Malaysia Open – in 1961, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1967 and 1968.
One of Ng’s greatest feats was to lead Malaysia to Thomas Cup glory in 1967, which led him to name his son Thomas following his success.
Upon Tan’s retirement, Ng formed a lethal partnership with Datuk Punch Gunalan to win numerous tournaments, such as the 1970 Asian Games and the 1971 All England.
BAM secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh also tweeted that Ng’s passing was “Indeed a passing of another local icon.”
Just received a sad news that another Badminton icon, Datuk Ng Boon Bee has passed away.
— KGCK (@gckeong) August 3, 2022
My deepest condolences to his family. Indeed a passing of another local icon.
Speaking to The Vibes, former national shuttler and coach Datuk James Selvaraj recalled his moments when he used to watch Ng training for the 1967 Thomas Cup.
“All the badminton national team used to train at the Selangor Badminton Association in Kg Attap. I remember I was 17 years old back then.
“I had to chance to see them because I lived there. My father was the caretaker of the badminton hall.
“Ng may look like a quiet person in front of everybody, he is a nice person, but stern on the court. No one would dare go near him because he jumped so high and delivered very strong smashes.
“It was very interesting to see him play,” James said.
He added that the last he met Ng was probably before the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country, but would have a conversation with him over the phone whenever he got the chance.
Ng is survived by his 85-year-old wife Tong Yee Cheng and 51-year-old daughter, Gillian. His son Thomas died last year at 54.
A three-day wake will be held at his residence from tomorrow at 61A, Jalan Sri Klebang 2, Chemor. The funeral will be held at the Nirvana Memorial Park on Sunday. – The Vibes, August 3, 2022
