From one former No. 1 to another: Boon Heong, Marcus Gideon promote badminton in Malaysia

Ex-national athlete Tan Boon Heong says free exhibition match was organised to get more people to like badminton, witness top-level skills

10:00 AM MYT

 

KUALA LUMPUR – After retiring from competitive sports, many former athletes continue to contribute to their country in various ways. 

Some become coaches, others develop academies, and a few become pundits to comment on current athletes’ performances.

Former world number one in badminton men’s doubles, Tan Boon Heong, has already pursued all three paths. 

Now, he has found another way to promote badminton among Malaysians: organising exhibition matches.

Speaking to Scoop at Ace Sports World in Kepong yesterday, Boon Heong successfully arranged an exhibition match featuring former Indonesian world number one Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Malaysian player Ong Yew Sin.

Marcus Fernaldi Gideon showcased his skills while fans looked on. – Halim Salleh/Scoop pic, July 21, 2024

There was no admission fee for fans attending the match, offering them not just the opportunity to witness top-level skills but also to interact and gain insights from the players themselves.

“I think this is a great opportunity, not just for my followers, but for all badminton fans to watch this match. 

“Moreover, during the sharing session, fans can hear firsthand about Marcus and Yew Sin’s career journeys. 

“I’m not saying I like organising events, but it just so happens they like to come and play badminton, and I also enjoy playing badminton, so we try to promote it to get more people to like badminton,” said Boon Heong.

However, Boon Heong is still not considering organising this exhibition match on a larger scale, as done in China and Indonesia, which have also involved artists and celebrities.

“It depends on the timing if they have the opportunity to come. I don’t consider it an event, just a regular exhibition match,” he added.

As for Marcus, he also did not expect this exhibition match to receive such a warm reception among fans in Malaysia, considering he no longer competes actively.

Marcus, who once formed a formidable partnership with Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo, announced his retirement in March and is now gradually venturing into developing his own badminton academy in Indonesia.

“I’ve been friends with Boon Heong for a long time, and it’s been a while since we last played together. 

“I happened to be on vacation in Kuala Lumpur, so I texted him to join in playing.

“I feel fortunate that there are still many who support me, and I am grateful for that,” said Marcus. – July 21, 2024

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