BADMINTON World Federation (BWF) president Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul of Thailand will attend Penang Badminton Association’s (PBA) centennial celebration at the Setia SPICE Convention Centre on Nov 22, this year.
Patama, a prominent figure in the international sporting scene and a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), accepted PBA’s invitation to grace the event, which is expected to be a grand and historic occasion.
Penang is the state which produced four time All-England singles champion the late Datuk Eddy Choong Ewe Beng and the recent Malaysian star Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei.
Involved in sports for many years, Patama chairs the Culture and Olympic Heritage Commission within the IOC and formerly served as BWF Deputy President.
She succeeded Poul-Erik Hoyer Larsen, who led the BWF for 12 years before stepping down due to his Parkinson’s diagnosis.
PBA president Datuk Kah Kau Kiak, who confirmed that Patama is coming, said that her presence reflects the BWF’s recognition of Penang’s role in promoting badminton globally.
“We are deeply honoured. Her presence reaffirms the BWF’s appreciation of our contributions to the sport, both nationally and in the region,” Kah said.
Patama is the second woman to lead the BWF, following China’s Lu Shengrong who served from 1993 to 2001.
In recognition of her contributions to sport, she has been dubbed the “Olympic Queen” by the Thai Sports Journalists Association.
PBA has also invited several badminton legends to attend.
Among them are Chong Wei and Chan Peng Soon, who have agreed to showcase their Olympic medals, trophies and rackets.
Meanwhile, efforts continue to unearth new talents at the grassroot levels, especially with the sport expanding its footprint globally.
Penang recently hosted the "Strivnite Badminton Championship," which was sanctioned by the PBA here.
Held at the Berapit Sport Centre, the adopted hometown of Chong Wei, some 300 talents took part in the event, coordinated by former national badminton player Daphne Ng, who was forced to retire early due to an injury.
Among the winners were Jake Ooi Ee Joo (Under 12 singles), Ho Chee Yeong - Wilson Tio Wei Sheng (Under 12 doubles), Bernard Tieu Kang Zheng - Lim Zhe Kai (Under 15 doubles), Lee Wang Yaw - Lee Sook Ching (Youth doubles), Eirdinna Eiylia (Under 16 girls singles) and Tan Kai Shiuan - Tan Yee Chan (Youth doubles).
Others were Low Khai Ern (Under 8 singles), Ong Yung Yi (Under 10 singles), Bernard Tieu Kang Zheng (Under 15 singles), Lin Yao Rong (Under 18 singles) and Lim Yan Xi (Under 12 singles). - August 5, 2025.
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