KUALA LUMPUR: He will be fondly remembered as the man who put the national teams onto the world bowling map.
Datuk Dr P.S. Nathan, the visionary who transformed Malaysia into a world bowling power, died on Sunday at the age of 90.
The bowling alleys will miss the lanky Dr Nathan, who used to cut a striking figure in his white shirt, white bell-bottoms, sparkling white shoes and all, a throwback to the Travolta-esque 1970s.
Dr Nathan might have been "retro" in a sense, but he was a farsighted leader, planning programmes that keep Malaysia ahead at international level.
Even on the day he passed away, Malaysian bowlers were dominating the ongoing Asian Championships in Bangkok, winning a whopping five gold medals. So profound is his legacy.
The bowling fraternity deeply mourns the loss of its leader who had made the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress (MTBC) an association that others look up to.
For a remarkable 50 years, Dr Nathan served as MTBC president, making him not only its founder, but also the longest-serving president of any national sports association in the country's history.
Born in Seremban and educated at St. Paul's Institution and Victoria Institution in Kuala Lumpur, Dr Nathan was a respected consultant dermatologist by profession.
His journey in bowling began at the age of 35 as he excelled in both his medical career and sport.
Dr Nathan's remarkable journey took a significant turn with the formation of MTBC in 1974. Rather than transitioning from player to administrator, he skillfully balanced both roles concurrently.
He continued to compete at the highest levels, exemplifying his dedication to the sport, on and off the lanes.
In 1978, Dr Nathan captained the Malaysian team to gold at the Asian Games in Bangkok, where bowling made its debut.
Under his leadership, bowling evolved from a mere parlour game in the 1970s to one of Malaysia's top competitive sports.
His vision and hands-on experience as both player and administrator were instrumental in elevating Malaysian bowling to world-class status.
Despite initial funding challenges, Dr Nathan's bold approach of nurturing committed bowlers quickly bore fruit.
He also served as Asian Bowling Federation president from 1984 to 1988, and held three terms as World Tenpin Bowling Association president.
Dr Nathan was also instrumental in including bowling in the 1998 KL Commonwealth Games. He served as vice president of the Olympic Council of Malaysia and as Chef de Mission for the 1991 Manila Sea Games.
Former national head coach Holloway Cheah, who competed alongside Dr Nathan to being part of MTBC set-up, said he had lost a good friend and "personal advisor".
"The news (of Dr Nathan's demise) came as a shock to me. I've not seen him for a while, but just two weeks ago, I called up his personal assistant, and was told that Dr Nathan was fine," said Holloway.
"I'm going to miss him dearly. He's my good friend, teammate and also personal advisor whom I turned to for all kinds of advice.
"He's always so helpful. Throughout my coaching tenure, he helped me with so many decision-making situations related to team. His advice would always turn out good.
"Despite being the president, he never interfered and would always support my decision fully. I was given a freehand to do what's right.
"The reason why I stayed on to coach the team for so long was that he just wouldn't allow me to retire. He told me, we would retire together.
"He's such a great doctor too, and my whole family went to him when it came to health matters. I still remember vividly how he cured my late mother's head skin problem in just over one consultation and one month.
"To simply put it, he's just so good. Malaysian bowling would never be at this level if not for him. Ever since he formed the MTBC in 1974, the rest was history."
Holloway said he would never forget the glorious moment of the 1978 Asian Games in Bangkok where he, Dr Nathan, Koo Boo Jin, Allan Hooi, Edward Lim and Lee Kok Hong overcame hostile home fans to win the team gold.
"Winning the gold alongside Dr Nathan was probably our best moment together. We had to deal with a hostile crowd that was purposely trying to disrupt us and other competitors' focus by making noise each time we were about to bowl," recalled Holloway.
"Imagine, it was getting out of control that the other nations had wanted to boycott the event. But Dr Nathan, being our team captain, insisted we play on and finish the game.
"We managed to keep our composure, building on a good lead and went on to win the gold. It was very memorable."
Tributes have poured in from the bowling fraternity. MTBC acting president Datuk Najeeb Abdullah said: "The late Dr Nathan had been instrumental in the development and management of bowling in our country for the last 50 years.
"His immense contribution and long engagement with the sport had significantly placed Malaysia amongst the top producer of world class bowlers.
"The bowling fraternity whether internationally or at home will certainly miss him dearly.
"On behalf of the entire team at MTBC we extend our deepest sympathies to Datin Malathy and members of her family.
Former bowling queen, Shalin Zulkifli, who flourished under Dr Nathan's leadership, said: "Dr Nathan had always loved bowling. Bowling was his passion and he was among the core people that helped carve bowling's success since the 1970s till to date.
"We will always appreciate his contribution and aim to continue his legacy of making bowling the most successful association in Malaysia.
"He told me last year that he wanted me to step up and helm MTBC one day. I promised him that if I am given a chance, I would take Malaysian bowling to greater heights."
Dr Nathan is survived by his wife, Datin R. Malathy, two children and six grandchildren.
His wake will be held for two days, from Monday at 30, Lorong Travers, off Jalan Travers, Kuala Lumpur.