Latest news with #CheahSoonKit
The Star
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Film on 1992 Thomas Cup victory coming to a cinema near you
Datuk Rashid Sidek (right) and Datuk Cheah Soon Kit - who were key players in the squad at the time – are appointed as production advisers. Photo: Bernama Over three decades after a defining moment in Malaysian sports history, the national men's badminton team's triumphant 1992 Thomas Cup victory is set to hit the silver screen. The film, titled Sentuhan Wira (Touch Of A Hero), was officially launched by producer Victory Pictures Sdn Bhd on July 3, in conjunction with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the relevant parties, witnessed by National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) Chairman, Datuk Gerald Hans Isaac. Under the MoU, two national badminton legends - Datuk Rashid Sidek and Datuk Cheah Soon Kit - who were key players in the squad at the time, were appointed as production advisers. They are also directly involved in the script development to ensure factual accuracy and to convey the true spirit of the team's journey to the audience. Rashid said the film is not just about badminton, but a cinematic piece that reflects struggle, belief and national pride as Malaysians. He also described the film's production as an important platform to share the experiences of former players with the younger generation, while highlighting the spirit of unity that existed within the national team at the time. "We want the current generation to feel what we experienced as players and to witness the unity and strong patriotic spirit among us. Even though we came from different races, we still succeeded together for one purpose,' he told reporters after the MoU signing. "Yes, it's been a long time - 33 years without winning the Thomas Cup. So, with the release of this film, we hope it can boost the spirit of our current players to become more motivated. "What's more important is the spirit of patriotism, not individual glory, but the collective drive to bring honour to the nation,' he said, adding that back then, they placed national pride above personal interests. Meanwhile, Sentuhan Wira director Lenny Ooi said he will present an action-directed style, with filming that emphasises realism in the training and match scenes. "The actors selected must also be able to play badminton; otherwise, their movements will look stiff,' he said. He added that filming is expected to begin at the end of this year and the movie is slated for release in early 2027. – Bernama
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Soon Kit: Paris could deliver Malaysia's biggest men's doubles moment yet
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Cheah Soon Kit believes Malaysia are entering a golden era in men's doubles and is hopeful of seeing the nation secure a historic one-two finish at the World Championships in Paris in August. With Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik currently occupying the world's top two spots, the 1992 Thomas Cup hero said the stars may just align for Malaysia to repeat their world title success — and this time, double it. "If they can go into the World Championships as top seeds — first and second — then there's a real chance of both pairs reaching the final," said Soon Kit. "That would guarantee us a gold medal and a silver." Malaysia have come close to achieving the feat in the past, most notably in Seville 2001, when Chan Chong Ming-Chew Choon Eng and Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah both reached the semi-finals but fell one step short. The same heartbreak repeated in Hyderabad 2009, when Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and Fairuzizuan Tazari-Zakry Latif also bowed out in the last four. The nation's only men's doubles world title came in 2022, when Aaron–Wooi Yik triumphed in Tokyo to end Malaysia's wait. In the event's history since its inception in 1977, Malaysia have reached the men's doubles final five times, winning one gold and four silvers. Soon Kit featured in two of those finals, finishing runner-up in 1993 (Birmingham) with Soo Beng Kiang, and in 1997 (Glasgow) with Yap Kim Hock. Now a proud mentor, Soon Kit once coached both current top pairs during his tenure as national men's doubles head coach from 2016 to 2018. "Of course I'm happy. As their former coach, how could I not be? Any coach would be proud to see their players become world No. 1, world champions — or even Olympic champions one day. It's a great feeling," he said. Soon Kit added that if both pairs can stay injury-free and maintain their form, Malaysia could also be on track to qualify two men's doubles pairs for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics — a feat last achieved at the Beijing 2008 Games through Kien Keat-Boon Heong and Tan Fook-Wan Wah. "It's very good. For a long time, we haven't had two pairs in the top 10 — let alone the top five — especially in such a competitive era for men's doubles," he said. "If they can maintain their fitness and commitment — because age will eventually catch up — then yes, there's a big potential. "Discipline is key now. They must rest well, train well, and avoid injuries."
The Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Cheah Hopes for All-Malaysian Final at 2025 Worlds
NATIONAL badminton legend Datuk Cheah Soon Kit hopes to witness an all-Malaysian men's doubles final at the World Championships 2025 in Paris next month. He believes professional duo Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and 2022 world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik have what it takes to meet in the final, as they are holding the top two spots in the world rankings. 'Hopefully both pairs can enter the final, and of course the gold and silver medals will be ours,' he said when met at the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony and official launch of the 'Sentuhan Wira' movie here yesterday. The former national men's doubles coach was also delighted to see the progress made by Malaysian men's doubles, with Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin and Aaron-Wooi Yik rising to world No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. However, he stressed that staying at the top requires continuous hard work, as opponents will closely study their game. Soon Kit added that the Malaysian pairs must be proactive in analysing their performance and making improvements to stay ahead. However, Soon Kit was cautiously optimistic when asked about the prospect of Malaysia having two men's pairs at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He said that maintaining fitness, commitment and discipline, including proper rest, training and injury prevention, will be crucial to sustaining high-level performance, especially as age becomes a factor. The last time Malaysia had two men's doubles pairs at the Olympic Games was in Beijing 2008, with Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah being the flag-bearers. 'Sentuhan Wira', an upcoming movie that will chronicle Malaysia's historic 1992 Thomas Cup triumph, is the brainchild of Soon Kit and another national badminton legend, Datuk Rashid Sidek. As advisors to the production, both of them were directly involved in the development of the script and technical research on the matches, ensuring that the spirit and historical accuracy of Malaysia's 1992 Thomas Cup victory are portrayed authentically and emotionally. Directed by Lenny Ooi, the film is expected to begin shooting this November and will be released in cinemas next year.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
All-Malaysian men's doubles final possible at World Championships 2025
NATIONAL badminton legend Datuk Cheah Soon Kit hopes to witness an all-Malaysian men's doubles final at the World Championships 2025 in Paris next month. He believes professional duo Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani and 2022 world champions Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik have what it takes to meet in the final, as they are holding the top two spots in the world rankings. 'Hopefully both pairs can enter the final, and of course the gold and silver medals will be ours,' he said when met at the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony and official launch of the 'Sentuhan Wira' movie here yesterday. The former national men's doubles coach was also delighted to see the progress made by Malaysian men's doubles, with Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin and Aaron-Wooi Yik rising to world No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. However, he stressed that staying at the top requires continuous hard work, as opponents will closely study their game. Soon Kit added that the Malaysian pairs must be proactive in analysing their performance and making improvements to stay ahead. However, Soon Kit was cautiously optimistic when asked about the prospect of Malaysia having two men's pairs at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He said that maintaining fitness, commitment and discipline, including proper rest, training and injury prevention, will be crucial to sustaining high-level performance, especially as age becomes a factor. The last time Malaysia had two men's doubles pairs at the Olympic Games was in Beijing 2008, with Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong and Choong Tan Fook-Lee Wan Wah being the flag-bearers. 'Sentuhan Wira', an upcoming movie that will chronicle Malaysia's historic 1992 Thomas Cup triumph, is the brainchild of Soon Kit and another national badminton legend, Datuk Rashid Sidek. As advisors to the production, both of them were directly involved in the development of the script and technical research on the matches, ensuring that the spirit and historical accuracy of Malaysia's 1992 Thomas Cup victory are portrayed authentically and emotionally. Directed by Lenny Ooi, the film is expected to begin shooting this November and will be released in cinemas next year.
The Star
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
A touch of class '92
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. And hopefully, the movie will inspire the current generation of players, which includes Lee Zii Jia, Leong Jun Hao, Justin Hoh, Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun, to bring back the Cup when the Finals will be staged in Denmark next year. Heroes' touch: Datuk Rashid Sidek (right) and Datuk Cheah Soon Kit giving the thumbs-up to the new movie. 'If we want to win back the Thomas Cup, now is the time. The team looks more stable compared to the past few years,' said Rashid. 'I can see we have two strong singles players in Zii Jia and Jun Hao, and the men's doubles pairs are showing more consistency. 'If everyone can maintain their form, we have a real chance of reclaiming the Thomas Cup. 'A team event like this isn't just about who's the strongest, it's about who's the most united. If we're truly prepared both physically and mentally, I believe we can rewrite history.' As for the upcoming movie, both Rashid and Soon Kit are 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, Foo Kok Keong and Kwan Yoke Meng in the singles, with Razif Sidek-Jalani Sidek and 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 the late Datuk Punch Gunalan as team manager and enlisted top Chinese coaches Han Jian, Yang Yang and Chen Chengjie.
