Kuala Lumpur: Former Badminton Association Malaysia (BAM) player, Tan Chee Tean, who went to Austria two weeks ago hoping to resurrect his badminton career, was killed in a car accident in Brno, Czech Republic last Saturday.
Tan, 23, who left BAM in February, was in a car with Austrian players Antonia Meinke and Jenny Ertl when the accident happened. They were on their way back to Austria after completed the Czech Open.
Tan was playing in the Czech Open as an independent player partnering Antonia Meinke. They lost to Nyl Yakura/Kristen Tsai of Canada 16-21, 21-14, 16-21 in the Czech Open first round.
The Malaysian was reportedly died on the spot while the two Austrians were severely injured and are under intensive medical care.
Tan’s tragic passing has shocked the Malaysian badminton fraternity.
The president of the BAM, Mohamad Norza Zakaria, told Malaysian media that Tan’s demise was a huge loss to the country’s badminton fraternity.
“I am extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Tan. He was a special young talent, capable of playing in both mixed doubles and men’s doubles.”
“His untimely demise is a huge loss not to only his family but also to the badminton fraternity. The thoughts of everyone at BAM are with his family and friends at this very difficult time,” said Norza Zakaria.
