Rashid says Thomas Cup success story will come alive via "Sentuhan Wira" movie
PETALING JAYA: It has been 33 years since Malaysia lifted the prestigious Thomas Cup in 1992 after edging out arch-rivals Indonesia 3-2 in a thrilling final at Stadium Negara in Kuala Lumpur.
Now, more than three decades later, that historic triumph will be immortalised on the silver screen in a sports epic titled *Sentuhan Wira*. The film is the brainchild of two national legends – Datuk Cheah Soon Kit and Datuk Rashid Sidek – who are also serving as advisors. Both were directly involved in script development, technical research, and ensuring the authenticity and emotional depth of the 1992 victory are captured accurately.
Produced by Victory Pictures, the project was officially launched in Kuala Lumpur yesterday and will be directed by Lenny Ooi.
Meanwhile, filming for the movie is expected to begin around November.
Rashid, a key member of the victorious team, is relieved that the story is finally being brought to life, calling it a long-overdue tribute to one of the country's greatest sporting moments.
'There are many behind-the-scenes stories that the public may not know, and we believe these can serve as inspiration,' said Rashid.
'This is more than just a badminton film. It's a story of struggle, belief and national pride. We hope the younger generation will feel the same spirit and continue carrying it forward.'
An open nationwide casting call will be held soon to discover fresh local talent for supporting roles, while the main characters will be portrayed by established actors.
The 1992 squad featured Rashid Sidek, Foo Kok Keong and Kwan Yoke Meng in the singles, with Razif Sidek-Jalani Sidek and Cheah Soon Kit-Soo Beng Kiang in the doubles.
Their success was also credited to the late Tan Sri Elyas Omar, then Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) president, whose foresight brought in Datuk Punch Gunalan as team manager and enlisted top Chinese coaches Han Jian, Yang Yang and Chen Chengjie.
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