Indra Gunawan 1947 - 2009

[cheekygen]

Rest in peace Pak Indra, he will be remembered as a coach with humanity and kindness.

Chong Wei did not get the chance to meet former coach
By RAJES PAUL

KUALA LUMPUR: World num*ber one men singles shuttler Lee Chong Wei was counting the days to meeting his former national coach, Indra Gunawan, for the last time.

But unfortunately, Chong Wei’s wish did not materialise. The 61-year-old Indonesian passed away yesterday morning at his home in Jakarta after battling with colon cancer for about two years.

Chong Wei learnt about it when he was about to leave for Singapore yesterday.

The 27-year-old is the defending champion in the Singapore Open, which starts on Wednesday. And he will be out to win the Indonesian Open for the second time in Jakarta next week.

“My plan was to visit him when I arrive in Jakarta for the Indonesian Open. But unfortunately, I will not get the chance to say good bye to him,” said Chong Wei.

“I knew he was in critical condition during the Pahang Open recently. In fact, I spoke to him a few days ago and told him to hang in there and wait until I turn up in Jakarta.”

Although Chong Wei is enjoying one of his best moments in his badminton career under coach Misbun Sidek, he said that he had not forgotten his humble beginnings in the national team under Indra.

The Indonesian came to Malaysia as the singles chief coach in 2001 and together with doubles chief coach Park Joo-bong, the duo nearly helped Malaysia to win the Thomas Cup Finals in 2002 in Guangzhou.

Malaysia went down 2-3 to Indonesia in the final but Indra will be remembered for his faith and gamble on exposing younger players, especially Lee Tsuen Seng.

Indra was also known for his compassion for senior players. He gave former internationals One Ewe Hock and Yong Hock Kin a second chance to salvage their positions in the national team.

Chong Wei was only 18-years-old when he joined the national team under Indra.

“I was just a junior trying to make a name for myself. I will always remember him for his words of encouragement. He always gave players the chance to prove themselves,” said Chong Wei.

“It was a different phase of life for me at that time. I needed a lot of support and motivation and he was there to guide me in those two years.”

Thanks to a good foundation laid by Indra, Chong Wei began his journey as the king of the local circuit in 2002.

“It had been a painful time for him (Indra) over the last couple of months. The cancer was spreading all over his body. I want to extend my condolences to his family members,” he said.

“I know what he would have wished for me if he was alive ... to do well in the back-to-back tournaments. I will give my best.”

[Maximum]

may HE rest in peace

[bradmyster]

RIP sad to be gone so young.

[eaglehelang]

Deepest condolences to his family

[Blurry D]

Deepest condolences...

[george@chongwei]

deepest condolence to his family...........RIP!

[Cheung]

A deep loss for all./.

[tommy_bun]

I feel sad to hear that...

[nick.h]

rest in peace om Indra

[krisss]

Rest In Peace :-(

[jasonmarc]

Deepest Condolences to his family.........

[Dato A]

Thanks for his contributions..certainly will be remembered.

[ignatio103]

rip pak indra

amen....

[Oldhand]

A premature end to a great, generous man.
May he rest in peace.

[Zabee]

always will remember your controbution...

[bh185008]

Rest in Peace Om Indra...you are in a better place now...

[ants]

INA has lost a great Hero. He will be forever remembered.