While Malaysia's 1992 Thomas Cup triumph remains as Rashid Sidek's most treasured moment, he said Cheah Liek Hou's Paralympics success in Tokyo last week has brought similar joy after 29 years.
Rashid, playing as first singles then, was unbeaten in all his matches in that Thomas Cup triumph, and his heroics have never been matched by any other Malaysians.
Rashid revealed that no other victory gave him as much satisfaction as the 1992 Thomas Cup until he guided Liek Hou to the Paralympics gold.
"Nothing feels like winning the 1992 Thomas Cup as I did for the team.
"It was a special feeling when I held the trophy with my teammates and heard the Negaraku being played at Stadium Negara," he said.
"After so many years, I had the same feeling in Tokyo. The difference this time is that my role was as a coach and this is an individual event.
"Liek Hou brought honour to the country by winning against Dheva (Andrimusthi of Indonesia) and it raised goosebumps, hearing the Negaraku being played again on the world stage.
"It was such a special occasion, and I have to thank Liek Hou for making this happen.
"He kept his composure and played like a true champion and made use of his opponent's inexperience to his advantage to win.
"I will always remember the 1992 Thomas Cup and Liek Hou's gold medal in Tokyo for the rest of my life. Nothing can create more joy for me."
Rashid praised Liek Hou for his determination and positive attitude despite facing a formidable opponent who was 12 years younger in the final.
"Dheva was physically stronger and powerful in attack and had better endurance, but Liek Hou's strength was his skill."
