Datuk Punch Gunalan passes away, 68
After a long battle with liver cancer, Datuk Punch Gunalan died this morning (15th, August 2012) at 6am. He was 68 years-old.
Punch is credited for being the man who initially gave Malaysia its name in badminton for his countless heroics at the Thomas Cup, Asian Games and the All-England championships throughout the 60s and 70s.
In 1970, his renowned reputation on the court as a fierce singles and doubles player earned him the National Sportsman of the Year award. And in the following year, he extended his success to winning the All-England Championship.
But playing wasn't Punch's only contribution to the badminton and his country despite retiring in 1974.
In 1992, Datuk Punch Gunalan coached a spirited Malaysian team to Thomas Cup victory; one of the most memorable moments in our badminton history.
After his coaching stint, Punch moved on to administrative roles within the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM).
In 2004, Datuk Punch Gunalan was inducted into the Olympic Council of Malaysia Hall of Fame for his qualities as a player, coach and servant of badminton's finest administrations.
Datuk Punch Gunalan will always be remembered for the warm smile, and fierce competitive nature he brought to the game of badminton.
May you rest in peace, Datuk Punch Gunalan.
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At the height of the Japanese invasion of Malaya in 1944, a little son of Malaya was born to an Indian family that was brought from India. Little did Malaya knew of him then but how proud will Malaysia be when he grew into a young matured badminton icon far exceeding all our expectation. Bringing fame and glory near and afar. He never knew nor did he ask but Malaya then and Malaysia now will always be thankful and indebt to this young man. His feet was small but the steps he took were leaps bound for fame and glory. His sweat poured countlessly like a waterfall but he never ask for a cup of consideration. He did what he had to do as do a farmer, a tapper or fisherman back then. Giving never complaining and never expecting in return. Good bye old friend. It was certainly pleasant knowing you as a person, a human being...as S.A.M. a.k.a. Saya Anak Malaysia.
Old Friend!
Soldier of honor. Soldier of dignity. The steps we took were long and hard. The price we paid were in blood and sweat. To bring our generations a better life than what we had. Back then it was Malaya. Now it is Malaysia. Shared we did the food we ate. Shared we must the clothes on our back. We laugh and we cried but always sharing..always giving. Man of honor. man of dignity. There is but only a few of us left. In time there will be none. Only memories...of us...on a roll of film for the young to see, admire and curse.
Dato Punch Gunalan, may your soul Rest In Peace. You created history man! You made the Nation and the Malaysian Indians proud of your glorious, heroic acts in Badminton. You paved way for many Malaysian Badminton players to follow your foot steps to achieve their Victories Globaly.
You are a great loss for your family and our Nation as well. My deepest condolences to your family and our Nation Malaysia.
The Nagappans.
SADLY MISSED BUT ALWAYS REMEMBERED BY YOUR FANS OF THE 60's & 70's.
YOUR VICTORIES FOR MALAYA BROUGHT UNITY TO FAMILY, COMMUNITY AND COUNTRY .. I REMEMBERED EVERYONE WAS 'GLUED' TO THE BLACK & WHITE TV (FOR YOU) AND HOW WE SKIPPED A HEARTBEAT WHEN YOU WERE CLOSE TO WINNING. THE CHEERING FOR YOU VIBRATED FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE AND ENCORES HEARD FROM EVERY STREETS.
I WAS ONLY A CHILD THEN .. BUT I STILL REMEMBER THE JOY & PRIDE YOU BROUGHT TO EVERY MALAYSIAN.
REST IN PEACE DATUK PUNCH GUNALAN ..
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