The 90’s shuttler said as a sportsman, he was elated and honoured to receive the federal award in conjunction with the King’s official birthday celebration.

“I am very happy,” he told reporters after the ceremony at Istana Negara here today.

The 59-year-old also advised upcoming and aspiring shuttlers to work hard, as players from other countries were catching up, while standards were also improving.

Kok Keong currently scouts for young talents involving individuals from the B40 group through his participation with the non-governmental organisation Rotary Club of Rahman Putra.

“So far, there are six players (showing promise). Two have been recruited by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM). The talents I have discovered and trained are aged 15 and 16,” he said.

Among Kok Keong’s achievements as a player are gold medals at the Manila SEA Games in 1991 and the Thomas Cup (Kuala Lumpur) in 1992, as well as the bronze at the 1992 Badminton World Cup in Guangzhou.