![A look at the Sidek badminton dynasty - Ep60 [TIMESPORT PODCAST]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2Frasid1_1751353215.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
A look at the Sidek badminton dynasty - Ep60 [TIMESPORT PODCAST]
KUALA LUMPUR: The Sidek brothers are etched in badminton history for their unforgettable contribution to Malaysia's 1992 Thomas Cup triumph.
The evergreen Datuk Rashid Sidek, in an interview with Timesport: On the Beat, credited his late father, Datuk Sidek Abdullah Kamar, for their heroics.
At the 1992 Thomas Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Rashid was unbeatable in all his matches as the first singles while his brothers Razif, Jalani and Rahman were also part of the magnificent side that dethroned holders China 3-2 in the semi-finals and Indonesia 3-2 in the final to end Malaysia's 25-year-wait for the prestigious trophy.
The others who joined forces with the Sidek brothers in that triumph were Foo Kok Keong, Kwan Yoke Meng, Cheah Soon Kit, Soo Beng Kiang, One Ewe Chye and Wong Ewee Mun.
On how the Sidek dynasty started, Rashid recalled it all began at an open air court built by his father beside their house in Kampung Kanchong Darat, Banting. Sidek not just built, he also coached his sons in badminton.
"We were so happy to win the Thomas Cup, we played for the country and also our family. The Thomas Cup was a gift for our late father, we play badminton all because of him," said the 57-year-old Rashid.
"We were a badminton family where everything started from my father who coached us. He loved badminton a lot.
"Actually, his main intention was not to make us international players, but for us to stay away from negative activities. So he wanted us to focus on badminton.
"We didn't go anywhere and we played badminton in the afternoons everyday. It's a routine.
"My father was very strict and he wanted all of us to be very disciplined. No jokes or just stroking around.
"If you want to train, you train seriously. Because only one court was available and others were also waiting to play. My brothers and neighbours also played there.
"It was really special for us. Misbun could have been there, but he retired early at 28 (in 1988)."
After his Thomas Cup heroics in 1992, Rashid went on to win Malaysia's first ever men's singles Olympic medal, in 1996 in Atlanta where he defeated world champion Heryanto Arbi of Indonesia for the bronze.
Rashid, who was world No. 1 in 1997, regarded winning the Olympic medal as his best individual feat. "The Olympic medal is definitely my highest achievement as an individual player," he said.
In the 1990s, Rashid continued the family's legacy as a player for their own club, Nusa Mahsuri, the first recognised professional club in the country.
"We had some issues with the BAM management in 1994 and we decided to form a professional club proposed by Jalani and we started Nusa Mahsuri in 1995," recalled Rashid.
"Nusa Mahsuri is still operating where Misbun has continued to coach the junior players."
After retiring in 2000, Rashid ventured into coaching and became a national coach between 2003 and 2015.
Serving as Datuk Lee Chong Wei's coach is something Rashid recalls fondly as he was able to witness one of the best men's singles players of all time rise to the top.
"Chong Wei's determination, fighting spirit and discipline is excellent. His attitude is like 'I want to win as many tournaments as I can. He was not easily satisfied. Winning two or three tournaments was not enough," said Rashid.
The best memory and the most disappointing as Chong Wei's coach? Rashid pointed to the 2012 London Olympics where Chong Wei lost to his nemesis Lin Dan of China in a close fight for the gold.
"My best memory is also the most disappointing. The best memory was witnessing Chong Wei getting silver in 2012 but it was disappointing to see him lose as he was leading in the final."
Rashid had also guided Paralympian Cheah Liek Hou for a couple of years, with the latter winning his first gold at the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics where badminton was introduced as a medal sport.
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"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. 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