Sentuhan Wira to capture the soul of Malaysia's last Thomas Cup triumph

New Straits Times

7 hours ago

KUALA LUMPUR: The air inside Stadium Negara on the night of May 16, 1992 was thick with tension; swirling with hope, pressure, and the collective will of a nation. For Datuk Rashid Sidek, a key figure in Malaysia's epic 3-2 victory over Indonesia in the Thomas Cup final that day, the memories are still vivid.
Now, 33 years later, Rashid is helping to bring that iconic moment in Malaysia's sporting history to the big screen. As a consultant for the movie, Sentuhan Wira, he is determined that it goes beyond recounting events — it must capture the soul of Malaysia's last Thomas Cup triumph and share its lessons of unity, sacrifice, and pride with a new generation.
As Malaysia's first singles player, Rashid carried the burden of setting the tone in the final at Stadium Negara. Facing then world No. 1 Ardy Wiranata, he endured an unexpectedly gruelling match.
"The memory that stays with me most is my own match, which turned into a real struggle," Rashid said.
"On paper, it should have been a straight-set win, but it went to a rubber. The pressure was immense."
Despite facing one of the game's biggest names of that time, Rashid entered the clash with confidence.
"Our head-to-head record favoured me. I understood his style and knew how to counter it. Even though it was tough, I believed I could win."
Rashid's hard-fought victory gave Malaysia a crucial 1-0 lead, sparking jubilation in the crowd. But that joy quickly gave way to tension as the tie unfolded. The first doubles match featured Rashid's elder brothers, Razif and Jalani — who was quietly battling a fever.
"The situation with Jalani was critical," Rashid revealed. "He was unwell, but there was no choice, he had to play. It was a selfless act.
"The plan was for our strongest pair, Cheah Soon Kit-Soo Beng Kiang, to clinch the tie in the second doubles. Razif-Jalani took one for the team. We lost that point, but the bigger strategy stayed intact."
This spirit of sacrifice defined the team. It was a culture shaped by China's coaching greats Han Jian and Yang Yang — former world champions who served as mentors as much as technical advisers.
"We had tremendous support," said Rashid. "Our coaches had been there before. They guided us through the pressure, held regular motivational sessions, and gave advice based on experience. Their presence was invaluable."
With the tie levelled at 1-1, the tension mounted. Datuk Foo Kok Keong won the second singles by stunning 1992 Olympic champion Alan Budi Kusuma 15-6, 15-12 to put Malaysia ahead 2-1. The tie came down to the second men's doubles match — and Soon Kit-Beng Kiang delivered the winning point.
Kwan Yoke Meng lost the third men's singles match to Joko Suprianto for a final 3-2 score, but that result was irrelevant as Malaysians of all walks of life were already celebrating long before the final match began.
"The most unforgettable moment was when Soon Kit-Beng Kiang won the last point," said Rashid, smiling at the memory.
"We just rushed onto the court — pure emotion. We lifted them onto our shoulders.
"In that moment, all of us celebrating together is what I hold dearest. It was a victory for every Malaysian."
That sense of unity is what Sentuhan Wira aims to capture. After years of shelved plans, Rashid believes the timing for the movie is finally right.
"This film shows how sport can unite us," he said. "When there's a big match, Malays, Chinese, Indians — everyone supports Malaysia. All our differences disappear. That's the power of sport."
Rashid's role in the film is not just advisory. He is ensuring authenticity, from the technical badminton scenes to the emotional dynamics behind the scenes. He hopes the film reminds young athletes of what it truly means to wear the national jersey.
"A career in sport is a profession, and yes, financial stability matters. But we must not forget the bigger picture. Wearing the Malaysia jersey is an honour, not a right."
Looking at Malaysia's current prospects, Rashid remains optimistic.
"Our team today is not weak. We have two world-class doubles pairs. If we can develop two consistent singles players to match, we'll be in a strong position. China, Indonesia, Japan — they are good, but not unbeatable. Malaysia has a chance."
Sentuhan Wira is more than a sports biopic. It is a time capsule, a history lesson, and a rallying cry. Rashid hopes it can recreate the goosebumps he and his teammates felt when Negaraku echoed through Stadium Negara.
"When you hear the anthem on the podium, you feel immense pride," he said.
"You realise you're not playing for yourself, but for millions. That's the feeling we want this film to give every Malaysian."
Rashid hopes that the story of a band of brothers who dreamed big in 1992 will do more than just entertain — it will inspire a new generation to chase their dreams and serve their nation with heart.
Sentuhan Wira, translated as "Touch of heroes", is literally a smash movie, with all that raw emotion and action on the court. It will begin production later this year.