Lee Chong Wei and Koo Kien Kiat penned heartfelt tributes to the late Gan Teck Chai, who passed away from a heart attack aged 40 on Saturday.

“I am replaying again and again, the voice message he just left behind, agreeing to join me on court next week. Now the game with Ah Gan will never materialise.

“Ah Gan was not just a friend, he is family to me. We met each other when we were 12. From the classes we shared to the trainings and tournaments we played together, every moment spent with Teck Chai was filled with laughter, joy and love.

“One day, somewhere, up there or down there, we will pick up our racquets, and play the sport we love again bro,” posted Lee on his social media.

The former Malaysia shuttler's biggest success came in 2009 where he won the Australian Open title with current national men’s doubles coach Tan Bin Shen.

Besides that, he also won several lower-tier events in Mauritius, Argentina, Brazil, France and Malaysia with Ong Soon Hock and Koo Kien Kiat.

Koo also posted an emotional goodbye to his friend, saying: “Though the pain of your absence is overwhelming, I am grateful for the time we had together. The memories we created will forever be a source of strength and inspiration as I strive to make you proud.”

Gan’s funeral will be held on Wednesday.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BAM (@ba_malaysia)