Foo Kok Keong
Foo Kok Keong is recognized as one of Malaysia’s badminton legends due to his numerous significant achievements during his career in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
He became the first Malaysian to reach the world No. 1 ranking in men’s singles in 1991. Kok Keong was a crucial member of the Malaysian team that won the Thomas Cup in 1992, ending a 25-year drought for the nation.
Individually, he won titles such as the Singapore Open and French Open in 1990 and the Asian Championships in 1994.
He was also a runner-up at prestigious events like the All England Championships and World Grand Prix Finals.
Known for his quickness, stamina, and relentless determination, Foo Kok Keong’s legacy is marked by his tenacity and vital role in elevating Malaysian badminton’s international stature.
Roslin Hashim
Roslin Hashim is one of Malaysia’s notable badminton players, who reached the world No. 1 ranking in men’s singles in April 2001.
He won a gold medal at the 2001 Southeast Asian Games and has several BWF Grand Prix titles and runner-up finishes in major international tournaments, including the Dutch Open, Swiss Open, and Japan Open. Hashim represented Malaysia at the 2004 Summer Olympics, competing valiantly in men’s singles.
Known for his skill and tenacity, he played in a competitive era against many top players. After retiring, he has contributed to badminton through coaching and talent development.
His career achievements and role in Malaysian badminton history secure his place among the country’s badminton greats, recognized for his consistency and leadership during his playing years.
Wong Choong Hann
Wong Choong Hann is celebrated as Malaysia’s former world No. 1 in men’s singles badminton, achieving the top spot in the world rankings in August 2002.
He won the gold medal at the 1998 Commonwealth Games and secured a silver medal at the 2001 World Championships, showcasing his prowess on the global stage.
Throughout his career, Wong reached the finals of major tournaments like the World Championships in 2003 and the All England Open, demonstrating his consistency and competitiveness in the 2000s.
He also represented Malaysia at the 2004 Olympics, competing fiercely against top players.
After retiring, he took up coaching and has been instrumental in nurturing new talent in Malaysia’s badminton scene, although he faced challenges in producing champions at the highest level.
Jalani Sidek
Jalani Sidek is one of the legendary Malaysian badminton players known for his successful men’s doubles partnership with his elder brother, Razif Sidek.
Together, they made history by winning the All England Championships in 1982, one of the sport’s most prestigious titles.
The Sidek brothers introduced the infamous “S” serve, a deceptive technique that confused opponents but was later banned by the International Badminton Federation.
Jalani was a key member of the Malaysian team that won the Thomas Cup in 1992, ending a 25-year title drought by beating Indonesia.
He made history by winning the bronze medal in men’s doubles at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Malaysia’s first-ever Olympic medal.
Throughout his career, Jalani won numerous titles, including World Grand Prix, World Cup, SEA Games, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Championships, solidifying his legacy as a badminton icon.
Cheah Soon Kit
Cheah Soon Kit is one of Malaysia’s badminton legends, renowned for his achievements in men’s doubles during the late 1980s and 1990s.
Alongside partners like Soo Beng Kiang and Yap Kim Hock, he won the silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and was instrumental in Malaysia’s historic Thomas Cup victory in 1992; their first in 25 years. Cheah earned silver medals at the World Championships in 1993 and 1997 and won the World Cup titles in 1992 and 1994.
He also claimed the Asian Championships gold in 1995 and multiple titles, including the Malaysia Open and World Grand Prix Finals in the mid-1990s.
After retiring, Cheah contributed to Malaysian badminton as a coach, guiding top doubles pairs. His career is celebrated for his powerful play and key role in Malaysia’s resurgence on the world badminton stage.
Soh Wooi Yik
Soh Wooi Yik is a celebrated Malaysian badminton player specializing in men’s doubles. Alongside his partner Aaron Chia, he made history in 2022 by winning Malaysia’s first-ever World Championship gold medal in men’s doubles.
The duo has also won multiple medals, including gold at the 2019 SEA Games, bronze at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, and several Asian Championship medals.
They are the first Malaysian men’s doubles pair to win back-to-back Olympic medals. Soh, born into a badminton family, began playing young and developed into a world-class athlete under expert guidance.
His achievements showcase his exceptional skills, perseverance, and leadership, earning him and Chia the National Sportsman of the Year award in 2022.
Soh’s career continues to inspire young Malaysian shuttlers, cementing his place among Malaysia’s badminton elites.
Aaron Chia
Aaron Chia is a top Malaysian men’s doubles badminton player known for his quick reflexes and exceptional skills.
Alongside his partner Soh Wooi Yik, he made history by winning Malaysia’s first-ever World Championship gold in men’s doubles in 2022.
The pair has won multiple medals, including gold at the 2019 SEA Games, silver at the 2022 and 2025 Asian Championships, bronze at the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games, and the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
They are the first Malaysian men’s doubles duo to secure consecutive Olympic bronze medals. Chia began playing badminton from a young age, making his international debut in 2014 and joining the national team in 2015.
His consistent performance and strong partnership with Soh have made them a dominant force on the global stage, earning them multiple titles and awards, and inspiring a new generation of Malaysian shuttlers.
Lee Zii Jia
Lee Zii Jia is one of Malaysia’s leading badminton players, renowned for his aggressive playing style, athleticism, and exceptional skill on the court.
He won the prestigious All England Open men’s singles title in 2021 by defeating top-ranked Viktor Axelsen, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Lee also claimed the gold medal at the 2022 Badminton Asia Championships, showcasing his dominance on the continent.
In 2024, he won a bronze medal in men’s singles at the Summer Olympics, becoming the third Malaysian men’s singles player to achieve an Olympic medal after Rashid Sidek and Lee Chong Wei.
Lee Zii Jia has multiple BWF World Tour titles and is known for his powerful backhand smash, speed, and agility.
His success has solidified his position as one of Malaysia’s top badminton stars, inspiring the next generation.
Razif Sidek
Razif Sidek is a legendary Malaysian badminton player best known for his success in men’s doubles, primarily partnering with his younger brother Jalani Sidek.
Together, they made history by winning the 1982 All England Championships, one of badminton’s most prestigious tournaments.
Razif played a key role in Malaysia’s 1992 Thomas Cup victory, their first in 25 years, where Malaysia defeated Indonesia 3-2 in the final.
That same year, Razif and Jalani became the first Malaysians to win an Olympic badminton medal, securing bronze in the men’s doubles category at the Barcelona Olympics.
Renowned for their innovative and controversial “S” serve, the Sidek brothers captured numerous titles, including World Grand Prix, World Cup, Southeast Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Championships gold medals.
Post-retirement, Razif contributed to Malaysian badminton as a national coach, mentoring future Olympic medalists and continuing his legacy in the sport.
Lee Chong Wei
Lee Chong Wei is widely regarded as one of the greatest badminton players of all time and Malaysia’s most successful Olympian, having held the world No. 1 ranking for a record 349 weeks.
His career boasts an astounding 69 international titles, including a record 47 BWF Super Series/World Tour wins, the most by any player.
Lee won the Malaysia Open 12 times, the Indonesian Open six times consecutively, and three consecutive All England Open titles, among many other major tournament victories.
He earned three Olympic silver medals in men’s singles (2008, 2012, 2016), the first Malaysian to reach an Olympic singles final, cementing his legacy as a national hero.
Known for his speed, agility, and relentless play style, Lee was inducted into the BWF Hall of Fame in 2023, symbolizing his enduring influence and contribution to badminton worldwide.