History of Badminton in Malaysia

In early 1900, a game named Poona was brought to Penang by officers of the East Hindia Company. Poona was played at Sufolk house. House of Captain Francis Light in Penang. In 1925, Badminton Association of Penang was established and followed by Badminton Association of Perak. The high passion from Malaysian players caused Badminton Association of Malaya was established in year 1934. While, J.I Woods from Perak was appointed as a first president.

Year 1937, Badminton Association of Malaya has join with International Badminton Federation. Since then, Badminton had increase the image of Malaysia by won the prestigious tournament like the Thomas Cup and the All England Championship. In year 1960, Badminton Association Malaysia was established by Tan Sri Mohd Khir Johari as minister of cabinet was assigned as the first president. In his era of leadership, year 1967, Malaysia has re-won Thomas Cup. He led BAM over 25 years. Start from years 1960 until 1985.

While, in year 1985 until 1993 Tan Sri Elyas Omar was assigned as second president of BAM. was officially included as a medal sport for the first time in the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. Expectations were very high for the Malaysian Badminton players to win the first Olympic medals for the country. This was more so, as Malaysia had four months earlier, won the Thomas Cup, the World Team Badminton Championship, after a lapse of 26 years. The Badminton players did not dissapointed Malaysian and won its first Olympic medal, a bronze medal in the Men's Double event, through brother Rasif and Jalani Sidek.