Former Malaysian shuttler Benny Khaw Beng Eam, who once represented the country at the Thomas Cup, passed away due to COVID-19 on January 17 in London, just nine days after marrying his partner of 25 years.
The poignant wedding ceremony took place at the hospital that the Penang-born, who was 85 when he passed away, was warded in.
Khaw and his wife Julia Cox got married in extraordinary circumstances as strict regulations in the United Kingdom meant marriage could only be held in exceptional circumstances, which is if one person is seriously ill and not expected to recover.
The Malaysian-born, who migrated to England in 1962, completed his final and perhaps most significant life milestone by holding his bride’s hand and repeated the vows in a hospital room that was transformed into a wedding hall with balloons and a cake.
The deed was done when Khaw signed the marriage certificate.
Khaw’s love for badminton was what brought Cox into his life, when she took her daughters for badminton lessons at the Wimbledon Club 25 years ago.
His step-daughter Eleanor Cox, who was coached by Khaw to become a national shuttler, said the virus had done too much damage to him to stand any chance of recovery.
“COVID-19 had ravaged his lungs. He said it was like being hit by a train, pointing to his chest,” Eleanor told New Straits Times.
Khaw was a qualified coach and had an influence on the likes of former European champion Rajiv Ouseph and world number 12 men’s doubles Chris Langridge.
According to Eleanor, Khaw was an epitome of health who was a non-smoker and exercised a lot by going for walks.
The coronavirus lockdown had however derailed his routine which made him frail and weak.
