Former Malaysian Thomas Cup-winning captain Teh Kew San has passed away at the age of 91.
According to Buletin Mutiara, Teh’s wife Ng Mei Ling said the badminton legend, affectionately known as “Ah Pek”, had recently lost his appetite after being hospitalised due to urinary complications.
Teh is survived by his wife of nearly six decades, their two children Thomas and Karen, as well as two grandchildren.
Born in Penang, Teh is best remembered for captaining Malaysia to victory against Indonesia in the 1967 Thomas Cup final in Jakarta.
The triumph marked his fourth and final Thomas Cup appearance, having previously represented Malaya in 1958 and 1961 before playing for Malaysia again in 1964.
Despite advancing age, Teh remained actively involved in badminton and continued playing while mentoring younger players well into his 80s. His dedication to the sport earned admiration from many within the badminton community.
Former national player Khaw Cheow Kheng described him as a humble figure who never allowed his achievements to change his character.
“He was humble despite his greatness. Even in his later years, he would still spar with us,” he said.
Teh was regarded as a versatile badminton player capable of competing across singles, doubles and mixed doubles events.
Among his notable achievements were winning the Mexico City International singles title in 1960 and capturing the Asian Badminton Championships crown in 1962.
In doubles, Teh and partner Lim Say Hup enjoyed major success in 1959 after winning prestigious titles including the All England Open, Canada Open, US Open, Malaysia Open and Mexico International.
Teh also found success in mixed doubles alongside his wife Ng Mei Ling, winning the 1962 Malayan Open and the 1965 Malaysian Championship.
