Fresh after Lee Chong Wei’s Olympic final exploits … Punch Gunalan, a badminton hero in the early 1970s, passed away this morning at the age of 68 after a battle with liver cancer.
For me, the most memorable moment in his career was when Gunalan, better known as a doubles player, gave Indonesia’s singles legend Rudy Hartono a fright in the 1974 All-England singles final, stretching him to three games. Unfortunately, he couldn’t sustain the pace in the rubber game.
Gunalan and Ng Boon Bee had formed a formidable doubles pair – at a time when China was on the verge of entering the world badminton stage.
He later went on to become chief coach of Malaysia’s memorable Thomas Cup winning team in 1992.
Share your thoughts on Gunalan’s career.
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Punch Gunalan in his hey days got only sponsorship from Bata (Punch badminton shoes), unlike today’s LCW that got plenty of sponsorship like Samsung, Maxis, 3-in-1 coffee, Faber-castel, …. 1Malaysia government an Rosmah the 1st Lady.
…yeah, and also the bear’s hug, don’t think Punch Gunalan misses it! 😀
Like being trapped in Death Valley.
Thanks for the video, Anil. A far more exciting and manly game than what was displayed in the Olympics. The kind of pettiness and lacklustre sportsmanship shows where the world is heading today and it’s not only in sports but music and films as well.
With deepest condolences to his bereaved family.
Gunalan will be remembered as was one of the greatest sportsmen this country ever had.