Penang — It was a night filled with nostalgia, pride, and star power as Malaysia celebrated a century of badminton heritage. The Penang Badminton Association hosted its 100th anniversary gala at the SPICE International Convention Centre, drawing over 2,000 guests and bringing together legends from multiple generations.
Among the biggest highlights of the evening were the appearances of Malaysian badminton icon Lee Chong Wei and Japan’s former world No. 1 Kento Momota, who both received thunderous applause from fans and guests.
A Grand Gathering of Badminton Greats
The gala featured 200 banquet tables, turning the convention space into one of the most prestigious badminton gatherings held in Malaysia in recent years.
Lee Chong Wei attended the event as the official celebration ambassador, joined by a long list of notable names in Malaysian badminton, including:
-
Chan Peng Soon – Olympic silver medalist
-
Aaron Chia – Malaysia’s top men’s doubles shuttler
-
Goh Jin Wei – independent national women’s singles player
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow was seen warmly engaging with Lee Chong Wei near a commemorative photo display.
Retired badminton champions such as Soo Beng Kiang and Yew Cheng Hoe, both respected figures in Malaysia’s badminton history, were also present.
Kento Momota Adds International Star Power
Adding to the excitement, Japanese superstar Kento Momota attended as a guest of honor. Despite being retired from the BWF Tour, Momota remains one of the most beloved figures in world badminton, and his presence created a buzz among Malaysian fans.
Many attendees were seen lining up to take photos with the former world champion, further highlighting the global reach of Penang’s badminton influence.
A Century of Glory — Heritage Exhibition & Hall of Fame
One of the most meaningful features of the celebration was the centennial commemorative exhibition, showcasing Penang’s storied badminton journey from 1925 to 2025.
On display were:
-
Olympic medals
-
Thomas Cup memorabilia
-
World Championships artifacts
-
Racquets and personal items donated by Lee Chong Wei and other veterans
The exhibition allowed visitors to walk through a century of badminton success, reminding many of Penang’s rich contribution to Malaysia’s standing in the global badminton scene.
A specially curated Hall of Fame honored Penang’s greatest badminton heroes across 100 years, providing a powerful tribute to those who shaped the sport regionally and globally.
Penang Aims for Another Century of Champions
In his speech, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow expressed optimism about the next chapter of Penang’s badminton legacy.
“Penang has produced world-class shuttlers in the past, and I believe the next generation of Olympic, All England, and Thomas Cup champions can also come from here.”
He encouraged the Penang Badminton Association to work closely with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) to identify and support young talent, ensuring a continuous pipeline of future stars.
