Former Malaysian badminton player dies in car crash

Former Malaysia national badminton player, Tan Chee Tean, was killed in a car accident in Brno, Czech Republic on Saturday.

Tan had left the Malaysian national set-up in February after six years with the programme, and was attempting to resurrect his career in Austria.

The 24-year-old had taken part in the mixed doubles as an independent player in the Czech Republic Badminton Open and was on his way back to Austria when the accident occurred.

The talented shuttler died on the spot of the accident from the impact of the collision.

Tragic passing

Chee Tean’s tragic passing shocked the Malaysian badminton fraternity.

His former teammate, Chong Yee Han, was among those in disbelief upon receiving the news.

“I still find it hard to accept that he has left us,” Yee Han, who’s also an independent singles shuttler, was cited as saying by the StarOnline.

“It was just on Thursday that we had a video call. He told me he was settling in well and pumped up to rebuild his career from scratch since relocating there two weeks ago.

“Little did I know that it was our last conversation. When I got the news from (Low) Juan Shen (former national doubles shuttler), I was devastated.

“We’re both really close. Even when I left the national team recently (in July), I had moved in to stay with him at his rented house.

“For six years we have been living and doing many things together, I’ll sure to miss him dearly.”

Mohamad Norza Zakaria, president of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), said Chee Tean’s demise is a huge loss to the country’s badminton fraternity.

“I am extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Tan. He was a special young talent, capable of playing in both mixed doubles and men’s doubles.

'His untimely demise is a huge loss not to only his family but also to the badminton fraternity. The thoughts of everyone at BAM are with his family and friends at this very difficult time,” said Norza Zakaria.