Who Won Malaysia's First Olympic Medal? Here's The Story Behind The Historic Achievement
It was a significant moment that marked Malaysia's debut on the Olympic podium.
By Tamara Jayne — 02 Jul 2024, 03:22 PM
1992 marked a monumental year for Malaysian badminton, with the Sidek brothers — Jalani and Razif — bringing home Malaysia's first-ever Olympic medal
The brothers won the bronze medal in the men's doubles competition.
Coincidentally, it was also the first time that badminton was introduced as a medal sport at the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics.
It's worth noting that at the time, badminton didn't hold separate bronze medal matches. So, the Sidek brothers shared the glory with China's Li Yongbo and Tian Bingyi.
This historic win not only ignited national pride but also served as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of Malaysian badminton stars.
Adding to the excitement, Malaysia had earlier emerged victorious in the 1992 Thomas Cup, defeating Indonesia in the finals with a score of 3-2
This victory ended a 25-year wait for Malaysia to reclaim the title and remains a defining moment in our badminton history.
The players who were part of the winning squad for the Thomas Cup (singles and doubles) included Razif Sidek, Jalani Sidek, Rashid Sidek, Rahman Sidek, Foo Kok Keong, Cheah Soon Kit, Soo Beng Kiang, Kwan Yoke Meng, and Wong Ewee Mun.
Fun fact: All the Sidek brothers — Jalani, Razif, Rahman, Rashid, and Misbun — have represented Malaysia at numerous international badminton competitions, including the Thomas Cup and All-England.
Misbun would later become the coach of Malaysia's top badminton player, Lee Chong Wei.
The then Yang di-Pertuan Agong presenting the Thomas Cup to the victorious Malaysian badminton team in 1992.
Image via New Straits TimesAt the following 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, US, Cheah Soon Kit and Yap Kim Hock delivered the nation's first silver medal through the badminton men's doubles competition
That same year, Rashid Sidek won Malaysia's second Olympic bronze medal in the badminton men's singles competition.
Cheah Soon Kit and Yap Kim Hock won the nation's first Olympic silver medal.
Image via Olympic Council of Malaysia/Team Malaysia (Facebook)
Rashid Sidek during a match in the Thomas Cup finals at Stadium Negara on 5 May 1992.
Image via New Straits TimesSince then, these wins have served as inspiration for other medal-winning players in badminton
Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying won the silver medal in badminton mixed doubles at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil, while Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong also won silver in badminton men's doubles that same year.
Aaron Chia and Soh Wooi Yik brought home the bronze medal for badminton men's doubles from the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
And, of course, Lee Chong Wei bagged three silver medals in the badminton men's singles competition at the Olympics in 2008, 2012, and 2016.
