NATIONAL badminton legend Foo Kok Keong today expressed his gratitude after being conferred with the Panglima Jasa Negara by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, which carries the title “Datuk”. 

The 1990s shuttler said as a sportsman, he was elated and honoured to receive the federal award in conjunction with the king’s official birthday celebration.  

“I would say I am very happy,” he told reporters after the ceremony at the Istana Negara today. 

The 59-year-old also advised upcoming and aspiring shuttlers to work hard, as players from other countries were catching, while standards were also increasing.

Foo currently scouts for young talents involving individuals from the B40 group through his participation with the Rotary Club of Rahman Putra. 

“So far there are six players, two have been recruited by the Badminton Association of Malaysia, and the talents whom I have found and trained are aged between 15 to 16,” he said. 

Among Foo’s achievements as a player include gold medals at the Manila SEA Games in 1991 and the Thomas Cup in 1992, as well as the bronze medal at the 1992 Badminton World Cup in Guangzhou. – Bernama, June 6, 2022.