Coaching Latifah

At one point, Datin Latifah Sidek, was about to call it quits and surrender her fate to God.

There were severe complications following a second surgery for her kidney transplant in China in April.

She was nursed back to health thanks largely to the love, care, attention and some form of psychological coaching from her husband, badminton legend Datuk Misbun Sidek.

"At that point of time, I felt she was about to give up the battle," said Misbun.

"She refused to take her medicines, did not bother to speak to the kids and was ready to throw in the towel.

"Like a coach having to coax and cajole his protege, I told her "I'm going back, if you want to follow me, come. If not you can stay." Thankfully she responded positively."

Misbun recalled following the second surgery, doctors too had given Latifah little chance of survival.

"We were taken through a journey that took 12 hours to reach Guangzhou by ambulance. Upon arrival, she suddenly showed signs of recovery," said Misbun after a visit by Sports Minister, Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek a short while ago. Also present were National Sports Institute (ISN) director-general, Datuk Dr Ramlan Abdul Aziz, BA of Malaysia (BAM) secretary, Ganga Rao, BAM general manager, Kenny Goh and Misbun's younger brother, Jalani, who lives next door.

Ahmad Shabery makes a point, with (from left) Dr Ramlan Abdul Aziz, Latifah, Misbun, Ganga Rao and Jalani listening intently

Latifah's favourite dish is her husband's telur tomato (omelette with tomatoes)

True to form, Misbun's backyard has a badminton court. An indoor badminton court is in the pipeline, budget permitting, in his attempt to re-create the Kanchung Darat, Banting, effect which nurtured the Sidek clan.

Misbun with blogger asampedas

In between keeping vigil and providing moral support for Latifah, Misbun took time to cook. Armed with a portable stove which is a compulsory tool each time he goes overseas, cooking provided a welcomed relief for Misbun.

"It was in the toilet, of all place, that I cooked telur tomato, which is now her favourite dish," said Misbun.

When they came back last week, their kids gave them a surprise welcome.

"It was like a surprise party for us," said Misbun.

Datuk Lee Chong Wei's victory over Taufik Hidayat in the recent Indonesian Open too gave Misbun and the rest of the country, something to celebrate, though I must say Chong Wei must start winning the major ones.