Dr. Hasmah Ali, the former patron of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), has died at the age of 100. Known as a “mother” to Malaysia’s badminton players, her legacy is defined by her role in fostering unity within the national team, most notably during the country’s 1992 Thomas Cup victory.
The 1992 Thomas Cup Intervention
Malaysia’s success in the 1992 Thomas Cup ended a 25-year title drought. As the team faced Indonesia in the final, the outcome rested on the performance of doubles pair Cheah Soon Kit and Soo Beng Kiang. Before the match, the two players were not seeing eye to eye, which threatened their on-court chemistry.
Dr. Hasmah intervened by speaking to the players separately. She told Cheah there was no better partner for him than Soo, and told Soo the same thing. The pair subsequently defeated Indonesia’s Ricky Subagja and Rexy Mainaky 15-12, 10-15, 15-8, securing a 3-2 victory for Malaysia. Reflecting on the event years later, Dr. Hasmah emphasized that while she never got involved with the technical aspects of the sport, she viewed it as her duty as a “mother” to keep them united.
A Legacy of Mentorship and Support
Dr. Hasmah served as the patron of BAM for more than two decades before stepping down in 2007. Her influence extended beyond a formal title. Former national players described her presence as comforting and gracious, noting that her encouragement during training sessions and match days provided support and motivation. She remarked that these players were like her children and they saw her as their mother.
Her commitment to badminton was not limited to the senior national team. Through Bakti, she supported efforts to nurture young talent and create opportunities for the next generation of Malaysian badminton players. Even after her formal role with BAM concluded, she remained an active supporter of the sport’s community.
Beyond Formal Associations
Dr. Hasmah’s dedication to the sport was demonstrated by her actions outside of official duties. In January 2020, she visited Japanese world No. 1 Kento Momota at Putrajaya Hospital following a road crash that occurred hours after his victory at the Malaysia Masters. Her visit was a personal gesture of care, as she no longer held a formal position with the national association at the time.
Her impact on Malaysian badminton is often discussed alongside the 1992 triumph and the sport’s Olympic debut in Barcelona the same year, where Rashid Sidek secured a bronze medal. For Dr. Hasmah, these achievements were the result of people who had to trust one another. Her death marks the end of a long chapter for Malaysian badminton, leaving behind a legacy of unity that former players continue to credit for their success on the international stage.
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