Ex-BAM President Elyas Omar a national sports figure
Published on: Thursday, May 17, 2018
Kuala Lumpur: Former Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) President Tan Sri Elyas Omar will continue to be remembered as a national sports figure who had contributed greatly towards the development of Malaysian sports, sports activists said.The late Elyas, who was also the third mayor of Kuala Lumpur, headed the national badminton parent body for eight years from 1985 and led the national squad to forge its name globally by winning the Thomas Cup in 1992.BAM recorded its condolences on the death of the late Elyas, 82, who had died at the National Heart Institute (IJN) due to health complications last night.
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"Condolences to the family of former BAM President, Tan Sri Elyas Omar. His contribution and legacy to national sports, especially badminton will always be remembered and appreciated. His departure is a huge loss for the country. May his soul be placed among the believers, "said BAM President Datuk Seri Mohamad Norza Zakaria.Also sharing the same view was one of the 1992 Thomas Cup national squad players, Rashid Sidek who described him as a loving father."Like a father and his children. If we have any problems, we can directly go to see him. No need to make any appointments and so on, "said Rashid.
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In addition to badminton, Elyas also served as the Kuala Lumpur Football Association president and had assisted the city's team to win the Malaysia Cup three times in a row from 1987 to 1989.Mohamed Razip Ismail, a former Kuala Lumpur player for 15 years beginning in 1979, said the passing of Elyas, who had been heavily devoted to sports development especially football in Kuala Lumpur, was a huge loss.
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"The contributions of the late Elyas towards sports in Kuala Lumpur is truly big. He was a great leader and had a clear vision and mission.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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