IPOH: A group of former badminton greats gathered in Pangkor to celebrate their buddy Datuk Tan Yee Khan’s 70th birthday.

Tan was in the squad which won the Thomas Cup in 1967.

He and his partner Datuk Ng Boon Bee won many international doubles titles during their time.

The birthday bash on Tuesday was held in the Sea View Hotel which belonged to Tan’s family.

The group of friends, all in their 60s, talked about how sweet victory was in those days but lamented the fact that they were now forgotten heroes.

Tan Jin Eong, 83, who was in the squad which won the Thomas Cup in 1955, said: “We did not get any form of recognition in playing for the country.

“Some of the players remained jobless and poor until their deaths.”

Tan cited as an example Chan Kon Leong, a member in the 1955 squad.

His family had no money to even buy a coffin for him when he died.

Datuk Yew Cheng Hoe, 68, of the 1967 squad, recalled that the players and the public contributed to Chan’s coffin and funeral.

Yew said the Government should look into providing some form of recognition and reward for the former players who were now in their twilight years.

Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir urged the Federal Government to come out with a programme to honour and provide assistance for these Thomas Cup players.