Misbun awarded Datukship by Melaka Governor

National badminton coach, Misbun Sidek, was Sunday awarded a Datukship in recognition of his services to make the country renowned for the sport.

Southern state of Melaka Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam announced that the award would be bestowed on Misbun this Thursday by Melaka state Governor, Mohd Khalil Yaakob, at Istana Melaka.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the Barisan Nasional (BN) operations centre at Mengkuang Titi here, Mohd Ali said Misbun's contributions to the country were great as he not only successfully trained Lee Chong Wei to win a silver medal at the Beijing Olympics but had himself tasted victory as a national badminton player.

"We waited many years to get this medal and after discussing with the Yang Dipertua Negeri he agreed to the award," he said.

Mohd Ali said among the championships that Misbun had won were the German Open, the Sweden Open, the Canada Open, the Malaysia Open, the Taiwan Open and the Singapore Open.

He said Misbun was also a seven-time national champion and was picked as the best coach.

Meanwhile in KUALA LUMPUR, Chong Wei said he was happy at the news of the conferment of the Datukship on Misbun.

"It indirectly is a recognition of the deeds and relentless efforts by Misbun in training me," Chong Wei said when contacted by Bernama.

The badminton ace said Misbun had worked hard all this while to guide him and that Misbun was an individual who was respected whether on court or outside.

"Despite the 'Datukship', there will not be any problem in our relationship. I will always listen to his advice," said Chong Wei.

Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) secretary Gangga Rao said the association was proud of Misbun's achievement after Chong Wei was conferred the Datukship earlier.

He said the BAM hoped it would inspire Misbun to continue to progress because he was not only being financially rewarded but was also given recognition by the country.

-- BERNAMA