Razif Sidek Remembers Tun Dr Hasmah as ‘Mother’ of 1992 Thomas Cup Squad

KUALA LUMPUR: National badminton legend Datuk Razif Sidek described the passing of Tun Dr Hasmah Mohd Ali as a great loss to Malaysia’s badminton fraternity, particularly the players of the 1992 Thomas Cup squad who made history by lifting the prestigious trophy 34 years ago.

Razif, who captained the 1992 Thomas Cup squad, said Dr Hasmah, as patron of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), not only supported the team but was also regarded as a mother figure because she was always close to the players and concerned about their preparations.

“We regarded her as a mother to the Thomas Cup squad at the time. Sometimes she would come to our training sessions, meet and talk to us, and offer a few words of encouragement to lift our spirits.

“We will never forget her contributions when Malaysia won the 1992 Thomas Cup at Stadium Negara,” he told Bernama when contacted today.

Razif said that apart from the memorable 1992 Thomas Cup triumph, he would also never forget the late Dr Hasmah’s support during the Barcelona Olympic Games in the same year, when he and his younger brother, Datuk Jalani Sidek, made history by winning Malaysia’s first Olympic medal.

He said Dr Hasmah’s presence in Barcelona was especially meaningful to the national badminton players, particularly for the support and encouragement she provided throughout the Games.

“Her presence meant a great deal to Jalani and me, and it gave us even greater motivation to compete at the Olympic Games.

“Alhamdulillah, we managed to bring home Malaysia’s first Olympic medal,” said Razif, who last met Dr Hasmah last year.

Dr Hasmah, wife of former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, passed away at the National Heart Institute (IJN) this morning at the age of 100.

News of her passing was confirmed by her son, Tan Sri Mokhzani Mahathir.

Bernama