Ketika era kegemilangannya sebagai pemain, Punch merupakan jaguh yang digeruni, malah pernah merangkul kejuaraan Seluruh England pada 1971 berpasangan dengan Ng Boon Bee dalam acara beregu lelaki.
Punch juga pernah beraksi pada perlawanan akhir perseorangan lelaki Seluruh England 1974 tetapi kalah kepada lagenda badminton Indonesia, Rudy Hartono menerusi permainan tiga set, selain meraih pingat emas Sukan Komanwel 1974.
Tokoh kelahiran Sepang, Selangor itu dikenali sebagai pemain yang agresif dengan gemarkan corak menyerang, malah sebagai pemimpin, dia juga dikenali dengan tindakan yang agresif dan gemar melakukan perubahan.
Dato' Punch Gunalan
Category: Athlete
Sport: Badminton
OCM Hall of Fame - Year Inducted: 2004
While Malaysians were overwhelmed in 1970 for losing the Thomas Cup, Datuk Punch Gunalan defeated Indonesian legends Injartno and Mirjati in his doubles title game with partner Ng Boon Bee to regain Malaysia back in the world of badminton. Despite losing 2-7 to Indonesia at the championship, Gunalan’s victory is something that we can still be proud of.
Born on 22nd May 1944, Datuk Punch Gunalan had made a successful career in his life. Talented right-hander, he was indeed among the finest combination doubles Malaysia has ever produced. In 1971, Gunalan and Boon Bee again became the top men's doubles team in the world, winning the prestigious All England title, as well as the Canadian, Danish and U.S Open titles. His gifted right-hand amazed people with his exiting smash.
After his retirement, Gunalan continued his career by coaching the Malaysian team (Badminton Association of Malaysia) and later being appointed as the Deputy President of the International Badminton Federation. Under his reign, he vowed to make badminton as the best racquet sport in the world.
His continuous contributions and tremendous achievements in the badminton arena shall always be an inspiration for our young shuttlers. .
Achievements
Category: Athlete
Sport: Badminton
OCM Hall of Fame - Year Inducted: 2004
While Malaysians were overwhelmed in 1970 for losing the Thomas Cup, Datuk Punch Gunalan defeated Indonesian legends Injartno and Mirjati in his doubles title game with partner Ng Boon Bee to regain Malaysia back in the world of badminton. Despite losing 2-7 to Indonesia at the championship, Gunalan’s victory is something that we can still be proud of.
Born on 22nd May 1944, Datuk Punch Gunalan had made a successful career in his life. Talented right-hander, he was indeed among the finest combination doubles Malaysia has ever produced. In 1971, Gunalan and Boon Bee again became the top men's doubles team in the world, winning the prestigious All England title, as well as the Canadian, Danish and U.S Open titles. His gifted right-hand amazed people with his exiting smash.
After his retirement, Gunalan continued his career by coaching the Malaysian team (Badminton Association of Malaysia) and later being appointed as the Deputy President of the International Badminton Federation. Under his reign, he vowed to make badminton as the best racquet sport in the world.
His continuous contributions and tremendous achievements in the badminton arena shall always be an inspiration for our young shuttlers. .
Achievements
1969 - Champion, U.S. Open for Men’s Double title
1970 - His first contribution in Thomas Cup
1970 - 1972 - Champion, Danish Open for Men’s Double title
1971 - Champion, U.S. Open for Men’s Double title
1971 - Champion, All England for Men’s Double title
1971 - Champion, Canadian Open for Men’s double title
2005 - Became Deputy President of the International Badminton Federation
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