KUALA LUMPUR: Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob was a spectator at Stadium Negara when Malaysia last won the Thomas Cup Finals in 1992.
Like all Malaysians, he too felt a great sense of pride after watching the Malaysian team’s electrifying 3-2 win over Indonesia in the final.
Yesterday, Ismail urged the Thomas Cuppers to bring back the good times by reclaiming the Cup.
“I know how the people of Malaysia felt at that time. I was there and it was a great feeling. The Thomas Cup victory brought the people together and this is what I the boys to do,” Ismail said after a 30-minute closed door meeting with the Thomas-Uber Cup squads at the Bukit Jalil Sports Complex.
Pep talk: Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob talking to the Thomas and Uber Cup players after dinner at the Bukit Jalil Sports Complex yesterday. – By KAMARUL ARIFFIN/The Star
“Thomas Cup is always so special for the people of Malaysia. I remember during my younger days when villagers would gather around a radio to listen to the live commentary during the Finals. It is all about pride of the nation when it comes to Thomas Cup.”
Ismail said the players had given their commitment to live up to the country’s expectations.
On Malaysia’s chances in Jakarta, Ismail said: “The players have beaten all their probable opponents before and there is no reason for them not to do it again.
“It is all about having a winning mentality,” added Ismail.
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