Malaysians are mourning the death of former national badminton player James Gan Teik Chai, who died suddenly last weekend. According to reports, close friends have shared that the cause of the former national athlete’s sudden death was a heart attack. He was 40 years old.
Gan was a left-handed player who partnered with Koo Kiet Keat, Ong Soon Hock and Tan Bin Shen during his career. The former Australian Open champion leaves behind his wife, Esther Ng, and two sons. After news of his passing broke, tributes have been pouring in from his peers and fellow athletes.
His wife, Esther Ng, mourned her late husband through her Instagram account. In one of her posts, she wrote, “It must be the darkest time of my life” and added, “Apparently you are such a great person the Universe wants you back particularly on Guan Yin Dan.”
Close friend Datuk Lee Chong Wei posted a tribute to the former shuttler on his Facebook page, saying, “It is with a heavy and sad heart that I share the news of the passing of my close buddy, Gan Teik Chai, who I address as Ah Gan.” The former national shuttler continued to speak of his fond memories with Teik Chai before wishing his condolences to the deceased’s family.
The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) also announced the news of passing through social media, sending condolences to the former national shuttler’s family, friends and loved ones. Hannah Yeoh, the Minister Of Youth and Sports, also took to social media to share her condolences, as well as Teik Chai’s former partners, Koo Kiet Keat and Tan Bin Shen, who also shared details about the late athlete’s funeral services.
We send our condolences to Gan Teik Chai’s family and loved ones. May they find strength in this difficult time.
Sources: New Straits Times, Instagram (1)(2)(3)(4), Facebook, Twitter (1)(2)
Adleena contributed to this article.
