Light a Lamp
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You are my late father's hero Datuk. He passed away on 9th August 2012. May you Rest In Peace in Heaven with him.
Prasath Kanagaras
Malaysia
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You were a perfect example of what today's sportsmen should be. Not only serve the country in the sport but also come back to serve the sport for the world. You did it as a true lover for Badminton.
Philip Das
Malaysia
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I met Datuk Punch Gunalan in my teens in Alor Setar at one of my dad's friend's home in the 70s. I was in awe to meet the Malaysia's No.1 badminton player for the first time but despite his towering presence, what struck me most was his down to earth personality which I observed from his friendly spontaneous interaction with me and my brothers. He left a lasting impression on all of us that day, a mark of a humble and well respected human being. I was stunned and saddened to read of his untimely demise. He will be always be in our hearts and minds of not just as a badminton legend and his contributons to the development of the game in Malaysia but also as a fine and likeable human being, a rare commodity these days. May God bless his soul.
Ramesh Ramankutty
Malaysia
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Lets get together and build the badminton empire. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Aum Namosivaya.
R. Sandrasekar
Malaysia
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Badminton has lost an illustrious sportsman which may take a new generation to create another Punch. Punch was great in all his undertakings being a player or an administrator. He will be missed by the sporting world. Badminton's popularity in the world today was mainly due to this great person- Punch. May the Badminton world continue with the legacy that Punch has left behind. My wife and I who know Punch personally will miss his jovial personality.
Sri Shan
Malaysia
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A father, a grandfather, an uncle, a friend, a badminton champion. No matter who he was to the people who cared and loved him, he will be missed but never forgotten. Whenever i pick up my racquet, i play the game for you, knowing you are looking down and smiling. May your bright light in the sky keep shining down on all of us, We all miss you dearly.
Raghu Raj
Malaysia
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I believe that Punch Gunalan is still alive in memories of every Malaysian. He made Malaysia proud. Such a great lost for Malaysia.
Sathia Seelan A/L Thiyagarajan
Malaysia
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Datuk Punch a true brilliant student and sports man. A first Malaysian to adorn the Olympic Medal and he carried the torch of badminton into arena of world class sports. No one can replace this man whom we knew from our schooling days and his laughter echos in our hearts as the lamp will be kept burning in our thoughts always.
William S Thomas
Malaysia
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Not only was Punch a star on the badminton court, an inspiration to the nation and a superlative Malaysian; as a person he was kind, supportive and a very loving brother-in-law whom I have known for 42 years. From the time Punch came into our family, he won all our hearts and also the hearts of those who subsequently came into the family. We love you and will miss you greatly. Rest In Peace Athan. With sadness in our hearts and tears in our eyes, Mimi, Mahendra, Prashant and Lavin
Sharmni Kumar
New Zealand
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My beloved husband left me on 15th August 2012. I miss him very much. Rest in peace my love.
Datin Vijeya Punch Gunalan
Malaysia
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Salute !!!
Joseph Wong T A
Malaysia
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I take this moment to thank the organising committee of the Media Sports writers of 1960 - 1980 to have a high Tea and Tribute to our late dear Datuk Punch Gunalan. Together with my Georgian classmate Mr. V. Muthiah we were honored to be invited by Mr. George Das and his team and it was an historical event to honor him when other ministries has no thought of such. Datuk has contributed tremendously towards the nation's only game known world wide which he had passion for as an young school boy. We have lost an icon in the badminton arena but his legacy will echo in our hearts as his loud laughter that was spoken well of him by the people whom he knew closely. We are proud to know that such a person whom we grew up with has indeed touched many along his life time here and we convey our regards to Datin Vijeya and Dr. Roshan, Dr. Poorni and Neeraj. Again it is time that many such people who had contributed to the cause of sports in Malaysia should be honored in their living days by our Government so that many will step into the arena of sports which is slowly dying off in Malaysia... There would not be another person to replace Punch Gunalan, Dr. Jega, Datuk Peter Vellapan and many more who are hidden and forgotten. Keep up the lamp burning as we appreciate the Sports Writers to continue to highlight such wonderful sports personalities of Malaysia.
William S Thomas
Shah Alam, Malaysia
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Datuk Punch Gunalan is a national hero, he has given his life to the world of badminton and although he is no more with us, his legacy will live on forever... RIP Datuk!
Ilamparithy Manikam
Malaysia
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George Das, congratulations on organising a superb and fitting function last night (23 Sept 2012) that paid dignified tribute to a great man. Kudos to the sportswriters of the 1970s for your joint effort. Your enthusiasm, dedication and sharing of steadfast values shown through brilliantly at the function. Hope others will emulate your example.
Philip Mathews
Malaysia
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I was just twelve years old when I first read about you in the newspapers, Punch, I was so proud of your achievements, as a Malaysian Indian... I have been your fan all these years and you my hero... I am 57 years old now! Rest in Peace, My Hero!
Susila S Sankaan
Malaysia
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My mentor...
Soo Beng Kang
Malaysia
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Good friend...
S. Balasubramaniam
Malaysia
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My mentor...
Cheah Soon Kit
Malaysia
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Great friend!!!
Sieh Kok Chi
Malaysia
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Great man!!!
Ronnie Yeo
Malaysia
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Miss you in the courts!!!
A. Radha Krishnan
Malaysia
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A great player and manager. Will never be forgotten.
Sri Shan
Malaysia
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Fondly remembered.
Karen Koh
Malaysia
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Will always be remembered.
James D'Cruz
Malaysia
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Always fondly remembered.
Philip Mathews
Malaysia
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God takes good people. You are the choosen one. Your exploits on and off the court will never be forgotten.
James Selvaraj
Malaysia
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We are proud of you and what you did for badminton worldwide.
Pradesh Kumar
Malaysia
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Words fall short of expressing what a fine player & person you are.
Kenny Jalleh
Hamburg, Germany
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It's god's plan. He needs you to organise badminton in heaven for you are the best.
Olivia Jalleh
Hamburg, Germany
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The year you retired from playing badminton, i was born. I have read about your exploits in the sports.
Geraldine Das
Malaysia
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Death cannot kill what you had done for World Badminton.
George Das
Malaysia
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A wonderful man. A blessing from god to Malaysian Sports.
R. Velu
Malaysia
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Thank you for the memories & the experience.
Lazarus Rokk
Malaysia
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Miss you man!
George Jayaraj
Malaysia
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You are simply the best!
Fauzi Omar
Malaysia
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RIP my friend.
P'ng Hong Kwang
Malaysia
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To live in the hearts you leave behind, is not to die! - Campbell
Tony Francis
Malaysia
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Punch - Great yet Humble!
R.D. Selva
Malaysia
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Punch did Malaysia proud
Punch Gunalan ... a talented, dedicated, popular, intelligent and well respected sportsman. He was a 'household' name when one talks about badminton in Malaysia in the late 60's/early 70's.
Also an internationally renowned figure in the world of badminton having won major titles like the All England etc. He was often associated with his equally talented doubles partner Ng Boon Bee ... they were the unbeatable pair then!
Punch Gunalan had also contributed immensely to sports when he retired as a professional player. Although he has gone from this world, memories of him will remain in people's minds for a long time to come. He did Malaysia proud.
Alice Chan
Malaysia
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