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{{Family name hatnote|[[Gū (surname)|Koh]] (辜)|lang=Chinese}}{{Infobox sportsperson
{{Family name hatnote|[[Gū (surname)|Koh]] (辜)|lang=Chinese}}
{{Infobox sportsperson
| name = Koh Eng Tong<br />辜荣堂<br><small>{{post-nominals|post-noms=[[Order of the Defender of the Realm|AMN]]}}</small>
| name = Tho Fook Hung<br />辜荣堂<br><small>{{post-nominals|post-noms=[[Order of the Defender of the Realm|AMN]]}}</small>
| nickname = Iron Man of Malaya
| nickname =
| nationality = [[Malaysian]]
| nationality = [[Malaysians|Malaysian]]
| birth_date = 22 August 1917
| birth_date = 22 August 1917<ref name=":3" />
| birth_place =
| birth_place = [[Seremban]], [[Federated Malay States]]
| death_date = 2 October 2006 (aged 89)
| death_date = 2 October 2006 (aged 89)<ref name=":0" />
| death_place =
| death_place =
| resting_place = Nirvana Memorial Park, [[Semenyih]], [[Selangor]].
| resting_place = Nirvana Memorial Park<br/>[[Semenyih]], [[Selangor]]
| occupation = [[Photographer]]<br />[[Weightlifter]]<br />[[Referee]]
| occupation = [[Weightlifter]]<br />[[Photographer]]
| years_active =
| years_active =
| module =
| module =
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| children = Ronnie Koh<br />Tony Koh<br />Jerry Koh<br />Maureen Koh
| children = Ronnie Koh<br />Tony Koh<br />Jerry Koh<br />Maureen Koh
| sport = [[Weightlifting]]
| sport = [[Weightlifting]]
| retired = 1958
| retired = 7 February 1958
| show-medals =
| show-medals =
| medaltemplates = {{Medal|Sport| Men's weightlifting }}
| medaltemplates = {{Medal|Sport| Men's weightlifting }}
{{Medal|Country| {{flag|Malaya}} }}
{{Medal|Country| {{flag|Malaya}} }}
⚫
{{Medal|Competition| [[National Games of the Republic of China]] }}
⚫
{{Medal|Gold| [[1948 National Games of the Republic of China|1948 Shanghai]] }}
{{Medal|Competition| [[Commonwealth Games|British Empire Games]] }}
{{Medal|Competition| [[Commonwealth Games|British Empire Games]] }}
{{Medal|Gold| [[1950 British Empire Games|1950 Auckland]] | 310.5 kg }}
{{Medal|Gold| [[1950 British Empire Games|1950 Auckland]] | 310.5 kg }}
⚫
{{Medal|Competition| [[National Games of the Republic of China]] }}
⚫
{{Medal|Gold| [[1948 National Games of the Republic of China|1948 Shanghai]] | 297.5 kg }}
{{Medal|Competition| North Malayan Amateur Junior<br/>Weight-lifting Championships }}
{{Medal|Silver| 1941 George Town<br/>(featherweight) | 247.5 kg }}
{{Medal|Bronze| 1941 George Town<br/>(heavyweight) | 224.5 kg }}
{{Medal|Competition| F.M.S. Weight-lifting Championships }}
{{Medal|Bronze| 1941 Ipoh | 231 kg }}
}}
}}
{{Infobox Chinese
{{Infobox Chinese
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| p = Gū Róngtáng
| p = Gū Róngtáng
| poj = Ko͘ Êng-tông
| poj = Ko͘ Êng-tông
| j = gu1 wing4 tong4
}}
}}


'''Koh Eng Tong''' ([[Chinese language|Chinese]]: 辜荣堂; 22 August 1917 – 2 October 2006) was a [[Malaysian people|Malaysian]] athlete and professional photographer. Among the first to win the [[Commonwealth Games]] gold medal for [[Federation of Malaya|Malaya]], he played an instrumental part in bringing Malaysian sports to world prominence.
'''Tho Fook Hung''' ([[Chinese language|Chinese]]: 辜荣堂; 22 August 1917 – 2 October 2006)<!-- Koh had inconsistent age and birth year in multiple sources. The birth date adopted was calculated according to his obituary in The Star dated 3 October 2006 and the article "Koh, the hero of 1950, celebrates his 79th birthday" in News Straits Times dated 23 August 1998. --> was a weightlifter from [[Malaysia]]. He was the first to win the [[Commonwealth Games]] gold medal for [[Federation of Malaya|Malaya]].


== Weightlifting career ==
== Early life ==
Koh Eng Tong was a [[Straits Chinese]] of [[Cantonese people|Cantonese]] ancestry born in [[Seremban]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 February 1950 |title= |script-title=zh:萬人瞻仰擧重英雄 |trans-title=Myriad people pay homage to weightlifting heroes |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/nysp19500224-1.2.34.9 |work=[[Nanyang Siang Pau]] |pages=7 |language=zh |quote=辜君粵人，原屬芙蓉僑生，... |trans-quote=Mr. Koh is a Cantonese, originally a Seremban Straits-born, ...}}</ref>

In 1937, Koh started [[Weight Training|weigh training]] when he was still a 17 year old student in [[Kuala Lumpur]], after being encouraged by his brother-in-law. In 1941, Koh returned to Seremban to organise the Adonis Body-building Club there.

In the same year, Koh earned his first title at the [[Selangor]] weightlifting competition, where he won the featherweight gold medal after lifting 226.5&nbsp;kg (500&nbsp;lbs).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Meyer |first=E. D. |date=3 December 1949 |title=Champion lifter was weakling in school days |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19491203-1.2.133.20 |work=[[The Singapore Free Press]] |pages=4}}</ref>

== Sports career ==

=== 1941 ===

==== F.M.S. Weight-lifting Championships ====
In April 1941, a weightlifting competition was held at the [[Jubilee Park, Ipoh|Jubilee Park]] in [[Ipoh]], [[Perak]]. The competition was opened to permanent residents of the [[Federated Malay States]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 November 1940 |title=WEIGHT-LIFTING CHAMPIONSHIP Contest At Ipoh Jubilee Park |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/pinangazette19401101-1.2.104 |work=[[Pinang Gazette and Straits Chronicle]] |pages=11}}</ref>

Koh Eng Tong placed 3rd in the featherweight class after lifting 231&nbsp;kg (510&nbsp;lbs).<ref>{{Cite news |date=14 April 1941 |title=WEIGHT-LIFTING CHAMPIONSHIPS Results Of First Night's Events |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/pinangazette19410414-1.2.100 |work=[[Pinang Gazette and Straits Chronicle]] |pages=11}}</ref>

==== North Malayan Amateur Junior Weight-lifting Championships ====
In August 1941, a weightlifting competition for residents of Northern [[British Malaya|Malaya]] was held at the [[New World Amusement Park, Penang|New World Amusement Park]] in [[George Town, Penang|George Town]], [[Penang]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 August 1940 |title=WEIGHT-LIFTING AT NEW WORLD |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/pinangazette19400803-1.2.130 |work=[[Pinang Gazette and Straits Chronicle]] |pages=12}}</ref> Koh participated in both featherweight and heavyweight class.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |date=4 August 1941 |title=North Malayan Amateur Junior Weight-Lifting |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/pinangazette19410804-1.2.81 |work=[[Pinang Gazette and Straits Chronicle]] |pages=9}}</ref>

Koh lifted 247.5&nbsp;kg (545.5&nbsp;lbs) and placed 2nd in the featherweight class, while in the heavyweight class he lifted 224.5&nbsp;kg (495.5&nbsp;lbs) and placed 3rd.<ref name=":2" />


=== 1948 National Games of the Republic of China ===
=== 1948 National Games of the Republic of China ===
The [[Republic of China (1912–1949)|Republic of China]] decided to hold their 7th [[National Games of the Republic of China|National Games]] in May 1948, after its postponement caused by [[World War II]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 January 1948 |title=CHINA SPORTS MEET IN MAY |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19480119-1.2.83 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=8}}</ref> Despite financial difficulties, the [[Malayan Chinese Organising Committee]] still assembled a contingent to the Games.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ken Jalleh |date=18 April 1948 |title=MALAYAN PRESTIGE WILL BE UPHELD |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19480418-1.2.107 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=6 April 1948 |title=DRASTIC CUTS IN TEAMS FOR SHANGHAI |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19480406-1.2.114 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=12}}</ref> Koh Eng Tong was part of 5 weightlifters sent there.<ref>{{Cite news |date=7 April 1948 |title=Teams For Chinese Olympics Cut |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/maltribune19480407-1.2.71 |work=[[Malaya Tribune]] |pages=6}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=24 April 1948 |title= |script-title=zh:馬華參加全運會重新分配出發人數一行百卅五人首批廿八動程 |trans-title=National Games Malayan Chinese participants reassigned, 135-people contingent, first batch departs at 28th |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/nysp19480424-1.2.66 |work=[[Nanyang Siang Pau]] |pages=5 |language=zh}}</ref>

Koh won the middleweight title after lifting 297.5&nbsp;kg (656&nbsp;lbs).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Essoyan |first=Roy |author-link=Roy Essoyan |last2=AP |author-link2=Associated Press |date=8 May 1948 |title=Malayan breaks record in S'hai |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19480508-1.2.110 |work=[[The Singapore Free Press]] |pages=7}}</ref>


=== 1950 British Empire Games ===
=== 1950 British Empire Games ===
In 1950, [[Federation of Malaya|Malaya]] was allowed for the first time to send a contingent to the [[1950 British Empire Games]] held in [[Auckland]], [[New Zealand]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 January 1950 |title='WE SHOULD HAVE SOMETHING TO SHOW' |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/page/straitstimes19500123-1.1.8 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=8}}</ref> The weightlifters, short of money, were sponsored by Wong Hoi Onn, president of the [[Selangor Health and Strength Association]] to participate at the games. They had to fulfill the condition of winning a medal, or they would have to repay their expenses.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |last=Vijesh Rai |first= |date=23 August 1998 |title=Koh, the hero of 1950, celebrates his 79th birthday |url=https://books.google.com.my/books?id=u8BhAAAAIBAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_all_issues_r&cad=1#v=onepage&q&f=false |work=[[New Straits Times]] |pages=19}}</ref> All 4 weightlifters won medals at the Games.<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 February 1950 |title=MALAYAN LIFTERS WIN TITLE WITH KIM BEE'S THIRD |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19500208-1.2.158 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=12}}</ref>
In 1950, Malaya was allowed for the first time to send a contingent to the [[1950 British Empire Games]] held in [[Auckland]], [[New Zealand]]. The 1950 Games was also the first occasion weightlifting was introduced. Due to the absence of a sports organisation, the weightlifters had to pay their own expenses to participate at the games. Koh Eng Tong and [[Tho Fook Hung]] won Malaya's first Gold Medal at the Games.


Koh lifted a total of 310.5&nbsp;kg (685&nbsp;lbs) in the featherweight category, winning him the Gold medal.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Groom |first=Graham |title=THE COMPLETE BOOK OF THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES |date=17 October 2017 |publisher=[[Lulu Press]] |isbn=9789403645131 |edition=2018 |pages=382}}</ref>
Koh lifted 310.5&nbsp;kg (685&nbsp;lbs) in the featherweight class, winning him the gold medal.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Groom |first=Graham |title=THE COMPLETE BOOK OF THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES |date=17 October 2017 |publisher=[[Lulu Press]] |isbn=9789403645131 |edition=2018 |pages=382}}</ref>


=== 1956 Summer Olympics ===<!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[File:contingent_Olympic_1956.jpg|thumb|left|Malaya Contingent in [[1956 Summer Olympics]], Melbourne {{deletable image-caption|1=Sunday, 5 August 2007}}]] -->
=== 1956 Summer Olympics ===<!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[File:contingent_Olympic_1956.jpg|thumb|left|Malaya Contingent in [[1956 Summer Olympics]], Melbourne {{deletable image-caption|1=Sunday, 5 August 2007}}]] -->
Malaya was officially recognised by the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC) in 1954. Mr. Koh was among a contingent of 33 athletes sent by the [[Federation of Malaya Olympic Council]] to participate in the [[1956 Summer Olympics]] in Melbourne.<ref name="SportsRef">{{cite Sports-Reference |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/ko/koh-eng-tong-1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418071802/https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/ko/koh-eng-tong-1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 April 2020 |title=Koh Eng Tong Olympic Results |accessdate=26 December 2019}}</ref>
Malaya was officially recognised by the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC) in 1954. Koh Eng Tong was among a contingent of 32 athletes sent by the [[Federation of Malaya Olympic Council]] to participate in the [[1956 Summer Olympics]] in [[Melbourne]], [[Australia]].<ref name="SportsRefMal">{{cite Sports-Reference |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/countries/MAL/summer/1956/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200417093313/https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/countries/MAL/summer/1956/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 April 2020 |title=Malaya at the 1956 Melbourne Summer Games |access-date=11 June 2015 |work=sports-reference.com}}</ref>


Participating in the featherweight class, Koh lifted 285&nbsp;kg (628&nbsp;lbs), well off his personal best and finished in 17th place.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 November 1956 |title=WEIGHTLIFTING FEATHERWEIGHT FINAL |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19561125-1.2.127.2 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=20}}</ref><ref name="SportsRefKoh">{{cite Sports-Reference |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/ko/koh-eng-tong-1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418071802/https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/ko/koh-eng-tong-1.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 April 2020 |title=Koh Eng Tong Olympic Results |accessdate=26 December 2019 |work=sports-reference.com}}</ref> He attributed his disappointing performance to him feeling numb out of coldness.<ref>{{Cite news |date=25 November 1956 |title=Ser Cher near to tears in disappointment |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19561125-1.2.54 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=8}}</ref>
Although 6 years removed from his gold medal performance at the British Empire games. Mr. Koh represented Malaya in the featherweight weightlifting category. It was the first of two Olympic appearance by the nation under the Malaya name. He lifted 285&nbsp;kg (628&nbsp;lbs), well off his personal best during his prime and finish in 17th place.


=== Retirement ===
=== 1958 Retirement ===
Koh Eng Tong announced his retirement from competitive weightlifting in 7 February 1958.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=8 February 1958 |title=Two lifters to miss Games |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/straitstimes19580208-1.2.115 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |pages=14}}</ref>

=== International weightlifting referee ===


== Photography career ==
== Photography career ==
Koh Eng Tong was an avid photographer. He had established multiple photography businesses over the years.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |date=1 June 1977 |title= |script-title=zh:榮堂攝影器材公司廿七週年紀念曁首創專業攝影器材展覽 |trans-title=Eng Tong photographic system company 27th anniversary first of its kind professional photography equipment show |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/nysp19770601-1.2.37 |work=[[Nanyang Siang Pau]] |pages=20 |language=zh}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=18 September 1982 |title=Official Opening |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/newnation19820918-1.2.39.1 |work=New Nation([[Singapore Monitor]]) |pages=27}}</ref> He also briefly worked as a [[press photographer]] with [[The Straits Times]] as well.<ref name=":5">{{Cite news |last=Peris |first=Eric |date=5 April 1992 |title=Moments back in time |url=https://books.google.com.my/books?id=KKRUAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA26#v=onepage&q&f=false |work=[[New Straits Times]] |pages=22}}</ref>
Founder of Eng Tong System Sdn. Bhd., a supplier of professional photographic equipment and other products in Malaysia.

In 1950, Koh became the founder and chairman of Eng Tong Systems Sdn. Bhd., a supplier of professional photographic equipment in Malaysia.<ref name=":6" /> The family-run business still functions today.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Who We Are |url=https://engtong.my.canva.site/home/#who-we-are |website=ENG TONG SYSTEMS SDN. BHD.}}</ref>


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
Koh Eng Tong was an official of the [[Selangor Health and Strength Association]] and a qualified international weightlifting referee.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":6" />
Koh Eng Tong started practicing weightlifting at the age of 14 in his backyard. His brother in law used to wield a cane to get Eng Tong to lift the iron weights. This strength of character and discipline took him far on his journey as a sportsman and businessman.


He had damaged his vocal cords during weightlifting, leaving him with a hoarse voice ever since.<ref>{{Cite news |last=陸 |first=釋史 |date=23 January 1950 |title= |script-title=zh:馬來亞的四個“鐵人” |trans-title=Four "Iron Men" of Malaya |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/nysp19500123-1.2.34.10 |work=[[Nanyang Siang Pau]] |pages=5 |language=zh |quote=榮堂，怎麽你的嗓子嘶啞成這樣？就是爲因舉重比賽，一下不慎傷了聲帶，經醫生的檢驗證明於身體無礙，祇是説話時聲音嘶啞罷了！ |trans-quote=Eng Tong, why have your voice become this hoarse? Because of weightlifting competition, the vocal cords were accidentally injured, the doctor's examination confirmed that there was no physical problem, except that the voice become hoarse when spoken!}}</ref>
In 28 October 1993, Koh managed to contact fellow [[1950 British Empire Games]] gold medallist [[Tho Fook Hung]] in Penang. Tho died a few hours after his visit, with Koh helping the preparation of his funeral. In 1998, Koh was opposed to Olympics medallist weightlifter [[Matin Guntali]] being chosen for the [[1998 Asian Games]], as he believed Matin had already passed his prime, and the younger athlete [[Rahman Ahmad]] should be picked instead.


Koh Eng Tong died in 2 October 2006 at the age of 89. He was buried at Nirvana Memorial Park in [[Semenyih]], [[Selangor]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=3 October 2006 |title=OBITUARY |url=https://www.pressreader.com/malaysia/the-star-malaysia/20061003 |url-access=subscription |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]] |pages=52}}</ref>
He reportedly had a habit of burning [[joss stick|joss sticks]] before competitions. He burned a joss stick before his match in the 7th [[National Games of the Republic of China]]. He tried to do the same during the [[1950 British Empire Games]], but found it hard to find in [[New Zealand]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 February 1950 |title=£5 for joss stick |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/230077084 |work=[[The Sun (Sydney)|The Sun]] |pages=42}}</ref>

Koh managed to contact fellow Empire Games gold medallist [[Tho Fook Hung]] at [[The Penang Home for the Infirm and Aged]] in 28 October 1993. Tho died a few hours after his visit, with Koh helping the preparation of his funeral.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Keng Fatt |date=30 October 1993 |title=Last reunion for ex-weightlifters |url=https://books.google.com.my/books?id=sJgWAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA66#v=onepage&q&f=false |work=[[New Straits Times]] |pages=45}}</ref>

He had donated his Empire Games gold medal to the [[National Museum (Malaysia)|National Museum]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mansoor Rahman |date=2 June 1994 |title=Looking back at Koh to shape the future |url=https://books.google.com.my/books?id=xTdOAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA24#v=onepage&q&f=false |work=[[New Straits Times]] |pages=45}}</ref> He also donated artifacts and a photo he took of the [[1956 Summer Olympics]] to the [[Australian Sports Museum]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Koh Eng Tong |url=https://collection.australiansportsmuseum.org.au/persons/1624/koh-eng-tong |website=[[Australian Sports Museum]]}}</ref><ref name=":5" />

== Death ==
Koh Eng Tong died in 2 October 2006 at the age of 89. He was buried at Nirvana Memorial Park in [[Semenyih]], [[Selangor]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=3 October 2006 |title=OBITUARY |url=https://www.pressreader.com/malaysia/the-star-malaysia/20061003 |url-access=subscription |work=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]] |pages=52}}</ref>


== Honours ==
== Honours ==


=== World's top 10 ===
⚫
=== Hall of Fame ===<!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[File:kohclassicphoto.jpg|thumb|left|Mr. Koh took this classic photo at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne]] -->
In 1951, Koh Eng Tong was declared the world's 10th best featherweight weightlifter of 1950 by [[Oscar State]], general secretary of the [[British Amateur Weight Lifters' Association]] in his book "[[The Weightlifter and Bodybuilder]]".<ref>{{Cite news |date=10 April 1951 |title=Fook Hung, Eng Tong in world rankings |url=https://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/newspapers/digitised/article/freepress19510410-1.2.76 |work=[[The Singapore Free Press]] |pages=6}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Oscar State (OBE) |url=https://britishweightlifting.org/resources/oscar-state-hall-of-fame-110522111036.pdf |website=[[British Weight Lifting]]}}</ref>
In 1994, Eng Tong was recognised by the [[Olympic Council of Malaysia]] and inducted to the Hall of Fame. Mr. Koh presented to Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) with a classic photo which he took in the [[1956 Summer Olympics]] in Melbourne.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=2021-03-31|title=Hall of Fame|url=http://www.olympic.org.my/museum/hof/ind/ket.htm|date=3 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603225246/http://www.olympic.org.my/museum/hof/ind/ket.htm|archive-date=3 June 2010}}</ref>

⚫
=== Hall of fame ===<!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[File:kohclassicphoto.jpg|thumb|left|Mr. Koh took this classic photo at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne]] -->
In 1994, Koh was inducted to the Malaysia Hall of Fame for sportspersons by the [[Olympic Council of Malaysia]] (OCM).<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mansoor Rahman |date=2 December 1994 |title=Sparing time for Olympians |url=https://books.google.com.my/books?id=dx9OAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA24#v=onepage&q&f=false |work=[[New Straits Times]] |pages=47}}</ref> Koh had also presented to OCM a classic photo taken of him at the [[1956 Summer Olympics]] in Melbourne.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |date=3 June 2010 |title=Hall of Fame |url=http://www.olympic.org.my/museum/hof/ind/ket.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100603225246/http://www.olympic.org.my/museum/hof/ind/ket.htm |archive-date=3 June 2010 |access-date=2021-03-31 |website=OCM Sports Museum & Hall of Fame |publisher=[[Olympic Council of Malaysia]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Tan |first=Kim Bee |author-link=Tan Kim Bee |date=14 September 2000 |title=Weightlifter Tho merits place in Hall of Fame, too |url=https://books.google.com.my/books?id=S1NIAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA8#v=onepage&q&f=false |work=[[New Straits Times]] |pages=15}}</ref>


=== 1998 Commonwealth Games ===<!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[File:kohengtongbaton.jpg|thumb|left|Baton handover to 1950 weightlifting gold medalist Koh Eng Tong]] -->
=== 1998 Commonwealth Games ===<!-- Commented out because image was deleted: [[File:kohengtongbaton.jpg|thumb|left|Baton handover to 1950 weightlifting gold medalist Koh Eng Tong]] -->
When Kuala Lumpur hosted the [[1998 Commonwealth Games]], Eng Tong was honoured by becoming the [[Queen's Baton Relay]] Final Runner for these games, who at 77 handed the baton which contained the Queen's message to Prince Edward, the Queen's representative and Commonwealth Games Federation president. {{fact|date=August 2024}}
When [[Kuala Lumpur]] hosted the [[1998 Commonwealth Games]], Koh was honoured by becoming the final runner for the [[Queen's Baton Relay]]. His run was also shared with gymnast [[Nurul Fatiha Abd Hamid]]. They handed the baton, containing the Queen's message to [[Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh|Prince Edward]] as the Queen's representative in place of his father [[Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh|Prince Philip]], the [[Commonwealth Games Federation]] president.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Carolyn Hong |last2=Randhir Singh |date=12 September 1998 |title=Opening a showpiece of our culture |url=https://books.google.com.my/books?id=kIhOAAAAIBAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_all_issues_r&cad=1#v=onepage&q&f=false |work=[[New Straits Times]] |pages=2}}</ref>

The games were the first hosted by an Asian country and for the first time in the history of the games that all 70 Commonwealth countries took part. {{fact|date=August 2024}}


=== Order of the Defender of the Realm ===
=== Order of the Defender of the Realm ===
In 1999, Koh Eng Tong was conferred Member of the [[Order of the Defender of the Realm]] (''Ahli Mangku Negara'') (AMN).<ref>{{Cite |title=SENARAI PENUH PENERIMA DARJAH KEBESARAN, BINTANG DAN PINGAT PERSEKUTUAN TAHUN 1999. |date=1999 |pages=37 |url=https://www.istiadat.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/1999.pdf |publisher=Prime Minister's Department Ceremonial and Protocol Section |language=ms}}</ref>
In 1999, Koh was conferred Member of the [[Order of the Defender of the Realm]] (''Ahli Mangku Negara'') (AMN) in conjunction with the 73th birthday of [[Yang di-Pertuan Agong]] [[Salahuddin of Selangor|Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah]].<ref>{{Cite |title=SENARAI PENUH PENERIMA DARJAH KEBESARAN, BINTANG DAN PINGAT PERSEKUTUAN TAHUN 1999. |date=1999 |pages=37 |url=https://www.istiadat.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/1999.pdf |publisher=Prime Minister's Department Ceremonial and Protocol Section |language=ms}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=25 June 1999 |title=SPORTS AWARDS |url=https://books.google.com.my/books?id=7t0dAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA23#v=onepage&q&f=false |work=[[New Straits Times]] |pages=42}}</ref>

=== Best athletes of the century ===
In 1999, the Olympic Council of Malaysia had aknowledged Koh Eng Tong, [[Eddy Choong|Eddy Chong]], [[Mani Jegathesan]], [[Mokhtar Dahari]] and [[Lall Singh]] as Malaysia's best athletes of the 20th Century.<ref>{{Cite news |last=S. Navalan |date=31 December 1999 |title=The best of Malaysia |url=https://books.google.com.my/books?id=x-BOAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA21#v=onepage&q&f=false |work=[[New Straits Times]] |pages=1}}</ref>


=== The Malaysia Book Of Records ===
=== The Malaysia Book Of Records ===
Koh Eng Tong, along with [[Tan Kim Bee]] was included in [[The Malaysia Book of Records|The Malaysia Book Of Records]] as the first to win the Commonwealth Games gold medals for Malaya.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ooi |first=Danny |url=https://s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com/p-library/singapore-malaysia/Malaysia%20Book%20Of%20Records/Malaysia%20Book%20Of%20Records%20%281018%29/Malaysia%20Book%20Of%20Records%20-%20Malaysia%20Book%20Of%20Records.pdf |title=Malaysia Book Of Records - Gold Edition |date=2004 |publisher=[[The Malaysia Book of Records]] |isbn=9839949632 |pages=213}}</ref>
Koh Eng Tong, along with Tho Fook Hung was included in [[The Malaysia Book of Records|The Malaysia Book Of Records]] as the first to win the Commonwealth Games gold medal for Malaya.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ooi |first=Danny |url=https://s3.us-west-1.wasabisys.com/p-library/singapore-malaysia/Malaysia%20Book%20Of%20Records/Malaysia%20Book%20Of%20Records%20%281018%29/Malaysia%20Book%20Of%20Records%20-%20Malaysia%20Book%20Of%20Records.pdf |title=Malaysia Book Of Records - Gold Edition |date=2004 |publisher=[[The Malaysia Book of Records]] |isbn=9839949632 |pages=213}}</ref>

== See also ==

=== Malayan contingent to the 1950 British Empire Games ===

* [[Tho Fook Hung]]
* [[Thong Saw Pak]]
* [[Tan Kim Bee]]

* [[Lloyd Valberg]]
* [[Ng Liang Chiang]]


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 15:45, 5 January 2025

In this Chinese name, the family name is Koh (辜).
Tho Fook Hung
辜荣堂
AMN
Personal information
NationalityMalaysian
Born22 August 1917[1]
Seremban, Federated Malay States
Died2 October 2006 (aged 89)[2]
Resting placeNirvana Memorial Park
Semenyih, Selangor
Occupation(s)Weightlifter
Photographer
SpouseWong Yoke Lan
ChildrenRonnie Koh
Tony Koh
Jerry Koh
Maureen Koh
Sport
SportWeightlifting
Retired7 February 1958
Medal record
Men's weightlifting
Representing  Malaya
British Empire Games
Gold medal – first place 1950 Auckland 310.5 kg
National Games of the Republic of China
Gold medal – first place 1948 Shanghai 297.5 kg
North Malayan Amateur Junior
Weight-lifting Championships
Silver medal – second place 1941 George Town
(featherweight) 		247.5 kg
Bronze medal – third place 1941 George Town
(heavyweight) 		224.5 kg
F.M.S. Weight-lifting Championships
Bronze medal – third place 1941 Ipoh 231 kg
LEE 003/sandbox
Traditional Chinese辜榮堂
Simplified Chinese辜荣堂
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinGū Róngtáng
Yue: Cantonese
Jyutpinggu1 wing4 tong4
Southern Min
Hokkien POJKo͘ Êng-tông

Tho Fook Hung (Chinese: 辜荣堂; 22 August 1917 – 2 October 2006) was a weightlifter from Malaysia. He was the first to win the Commonwealth Games gold medal for Malaya.

Early life

[edit]

Koh Eng Tong was a Straits Chinese of Cantonese ancestry born in Seremban.[3]

In 1937, Koh started weigh training when he was still a 17 year old student in Kuala Lumpur, after being encouraged by his brother-in-law. In 1941, Koh returned to Seremban to organise the Adonis Body-building Club there.

In the same year, Koh earned his first title at the Selangor weightlifting competition, where he won the featherweight gold medal after lifting 226.5 kg (500 lbs).[4]

Sports career

[edit]

1941

[edit]

F.M.S. Weight-lifting Championships

[edit]

In April 1941, a weightlifting competition was held at the Jubilee Park in Ipoh, Perak. The competition was opened to permanent residents of the Federated Malay States.[5]

Koh Eng Tong placed 3rd in the featherweight class after lifting 231 kg (510 lbs).[6]

North Malayan Amateur Junior Weight-lifting Championships

[edit]

In August 1941, a weightlifting competition for residents of Northern Malaya was held at the New World Amusement Park in George Town, Penang.[7] Koh participated in both featherweight and heavyweight class.[8]

Koh lifted 247.5 kg (545.5 lbs) and placed 2nd in the featherweight class, while in the heavyweight class he lifted 224.5 kg (495.5 lbs) and placed 3rd.[8]

1948 National Games of the Republic of China

[edit]

The Republic of China decided to hold their 7th National Games in May 1948, after its postponement caused by World War II.[9] Despite financial difficulties, the Malayan Chinese Organising Committee still assembled a contingent to the Games.[10][11] Koh Eng Tong was part of 5 weightlifters sent there.[12][13]

Koh won the middleweight title after lifting 297.5 kg (656 lbs).[14]

1950 British Empire Games

[edit]

In 1950, Malaya was allowed for the first time to send a contingent to the 1950 British Empire Games held in Auckland, New Zealand.[15] The weightlifters, short of money, were sponsored by Wong Hoi Onn, president of the Selangor Health and Strength Association to participate at the games. They had to fulfill the condition of winning a medal, or they would have to repay their expenses.[1] All 4 weightlifters won medals at the Games.[16]

Koh lifted 310.5 kg (685 lbs) in the featherweight class, winning him the gold medal.[17]

1956 Summer Olympics

[edit]

Malaya was officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1954. Koh Eng Tong was among a contingent of 32 athletes sent by the Federation of Malaya Olympic Council to participate in the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia.[18]

Participating in the featherweight class, Koh lifted 285 kg (628 lbs), well off his personal best and finished in 17th place.[19][20] He attributed his disappointing performance to him feeling numb out of coldness.[21]

1958 Retirement

[edit]

Koh Eng Tong announced his retirement from competitive weightlifting in 7 February 1958.[22]

Photography career

[edit]

Koh Eng Tong was an avid photographer. He had established multiple photography businesses over the years.[23][24] He also briefly worked as a press photographer with The Straits Times as well.[25]

In 1950, Koh became the founder and chairman of Eng Tong Systems Sdn. Bhd., a supplier of professional photographic equipment in Malaysia.[23] The family-run business still functions today.[26]

Personal life

[edit]

Koh Eng Tong was an official of the Selangor Health and Strength Association and a qualified international weightlifting referee.[22][23]

He had damaged his vocal cords during weightlifting, leaving him with a hoarse voice ever since.[27]

He reportedly had a habit of burning joss sticks before competitions. He burned a joss stick before his match in the 7th National Games of the Republic of China. He tried to do the same during the 1950 British Empire Games, but found it hard to find in New Zealand.[28]

Koh managed to contact fellow Empire Games gold medallist Tho Fook Hung at The Penang Home for the Infirm and Aged in 28 October 1993. Tho died a few hours after his visit, with Koh helping the preparation of his funeral.[29]

He had donated his Empire Games gold medal to the National Museum.[30] He also donated artifacts and a photo he took of the 1956 Summer Olympics to the Australian Sports Museum.[31][25]

Death

[edit]

Koh Eng Tong died in 2 October 2006 at the age of 89. He was buried at Nirvana Memorial Park in Semenyih, Selangor.[2]

Honours

[edit]

World's top 10

[edit]

In 1951, Koh Eng Tong was declared the world's 10th best featherweight weightlifter of 1950 by Oscar State, general secretary of the British Amateur Weight Lifters' Association in his book "The Weightlifter and Bodybuilder".[32][33]

Hall of fame

[edit]

In 1994, Koh was inducted to the Malaysia Hall of Fame for sportspersons by the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM).[34] Koh had also presented to OCM a classic photo taken of him at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne.[35][36]

1998 Commonwealth Games

[edit]

When Kuala Lumpur hosted the 1998 Commonwealth Games, Koh was honoured by becoming the final runner for the Queen's Baton Relay. His run was also shared with gymnast Nurul Fatiha Abd Hamid. They handed the baton, containing the Queen's message to Prince Edward as the Queen's representative in place of his father Prince Philip, the Commonwealth Games Federation president.[37]

Order of the Defender of the Realm

[edit]

In 1999, Koh was conferred Member of the Order of the Defender of the Realm (Ahli Mangku Negara) (AMN) in conjunction with the 73th birthday of Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah.[38][39]

Best athletes of the century

[edit]

In 1999, the Olympic Council of Malaysia had aknowledged Koh Eng Tong, Eddy Chong, Mani Jegathesan, Mokhtar Dahari and Lall Singh as Malaysia's best athletes of the 20th Century.[40]

The Malaysia Book Of Records

[edit]

Koh Eng Tong, along with Tho Fook Hung was included in The Malaysia Book Of Records as the first to win the Commonwealth Games gold medal for Malaya.[41]

See also

[edit]

Malayan contingent to the 1950 British Empire Games

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Vijesh Rai (23 August 1998). "Koh, the hero of 1950, celebrates his 79th birthday". New Straits Times. p. 19.
  2. ^ a b "OBITUARY". The Star. 3 October 2006. p. 52.
  3. ^ 萬人瞻仰擧重英雄 [Myriad people pay homage to weightlifting heroes]. Nanyang Siang Pau (in Chinese). 24 February 1950. p. 7. 辜君粵人，原屬芙蓉僑生，... [Mr. Koh is a Cantonese, originally a Seremban Straits-born, ...]
  4. ^ Meyer, E. D. (3 December 1949). "Champion lifter was weakling in school days". The Singapore Free Press. p. 4.
  5. ^ "WEIGHT-LIFTING CHAMPIONSHIP Contest At Ipoh Jubilee Park". Pinang Gazette and Straits Chronicle. 1 November 1940. p. 11.
  6. ^ "WEIGHT-LIFTING CHAMPIONSHIPS Results Of First Night's Events". Pinang Gazette and Straits Chronicle. 14 April 1941. p. 11.
  7. ^ "WEIGHT-LIFTING AT NEW WORLD". Pinang Gazette and Straits Chronicle. 3 August 1940. p. 12.
  8. ^ a b "North Malayan Amateur Junior Weight-Lifting". Pinang Gazette and Straits Chronicle. 4 August 1941. p. 9.
  9. ^ "CHINA SPORTS MEET IN MAY". The Straits Times. 19 January 1948. p. 8.
  10. ^ Ken Jalleh (18 April 1948). "MALAYAN PRESTIGE WILL BE UPHELD". The Straits Times. p. 10.
  11. ^ "DRASTIC CUTS IN TEAMS FOR SHANGHAI". The Straits Times. 6 April 1948. p. 12.
  12. ^ "Teams For Chinese Olympics Cut". Malaya Tribune. 7 April 1948. p. 6.
  13. ^ 馬華參加全運會重新分配出發人數一行百卅五人首批廿八動程 [National Games Malayan Chinese participants reassigned, 135-people contingent, first batch departs at 28th]. Nanyang Siang Pau (in Chinese). 24 April 1948. p. 5.
  14. ^ Essoyan, Roy; AP (8 May 1948). "Malayan breaks record in S'hai". The Singapore Free Press. p. 7.
  15. ^ "'WE SHOULD HAVE SOMETHING TO SHOW'". The Straits Times. 23 January 1950. p. 8.
  16. ^ "MALAYAN LIFTERS WIN TITLE WITH KIM BEE'S THIRD". The Straits Times. 8 February 1950. p. 12.
  17. ^ Groom, Graham (17 October 2017). THE COMPLETE BOOK OF THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES (2018 ed.). Lulu Press. p. 382. ISBN 9789403645131.
  18. ^ Evans, Hilary; Gjerde, Arild; Heijmans, Jeroen; Mallon, Bill; et al. "Malaya at the 1956 Melbourne Summer Games". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on 17 April 2020. Retrieved 11 June 2015.
  19. ^ "WEIGHTLIFTING FEATHERWEIGHT FINAL". The Straits Times. 25 November 1956. p. 20.
  20. ^ Evans, Hilary; Gjerde, Arild; Heijmans, Jeroen; Mallon, Bill; et al. "Koh Eng Tong Olympic Results". Olympics at Sports-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Archived from the original on 18 April 2020. Retrieved 26 December 2019.
  21. ^ "Ser Cher near to tears in disappointment". The Straits Times. 25 November 1956. p. 8.
  22. ^ a b "Two lifters to miss Games". The Straits Times. 8 February 1958. p. 14.
  23. ^ a b c 榮堂攝影器材公司廿七週年紀念曁首創專業攝影器材展覽 [Eng Tong photographic system company 27th anniversary first of its kind professional photography equipment show]. Nanyang Siang Pau (in Chinese). 1 June 1977. p. 20.
  24. ^ "Official Opening". New Nation(Singapore Monitor). 18 September 1982. p. 27.
  25. ^ a b Peris, Eric (5 April 1992). "Moments back in time". New Straits Times. p. 22.
  26. ^ "Who We Are". ENG TONG SYSTEMS SDN. BHD.
  27. ^ 陸, 釋史 (23 January 1950). 馬來亞的四個“鐵人” [Four "Iron Men" of Malaya]. Nanyang Siang Pau (in Chinese). p. 5. 榮堂，怎麽你的嗓子嘶啞成這樣？就是爲因舉重比賽，一下不慎傷了聲帶，經醫生的檢驗證明於身體無礙，祇是説話時聲音嘶啞罷了！ [Eng Tong, why have your voice become this hoarse? Because of weightlifting competition, the vocal cords were accidentally injured, the doctor's examination confirmed that there was no physical problem, except that the voice become hoarse when spoken!]
  28. ^ "£5 for joss stick". The Sun. 2 February 1950. p. 42.
  29. ^ Lee, Keng Fatt (30 October 1993). "Last reunion for ex-weightlifters". New Straits Times. p. 45.
  30. ^ Mansoor Rahman (2 June 1994). "Looking back at Koh to shape the future". New Straits Times. p. 45.
  31. ^ "Koh Eng Tong". Australian Sports Museum.
  32. ^ "Fook Hung, Eng Tong in world rankings". The Singapore Free Press. 10 April 1951. p. 6.
  33. ^ "Oscar State (OBE)" (PDF). British Weight Lifting.
  34. ^ Mansoor Rahman (2 December 1994). "Sparing time for Olympians". New Straits Times. p. 47.
  35. ^ "Hall of Fame". OCM Sports Museum & Hall of Fame. Olympic Council of Malaysia. 3 June 2010. Archived from the original on 3 June 2010. Retrieved 2021-03-31.
  36. ^ Tan, Kim Bee (14 September 2000). "Weightlifter Tho merits place in Hall of Fame, too". New Straits Times. p. 15.
  37. ^ Carolyn Hong; Randhir Singh (12 September 1998). "Opening a showpiece of our culture". New Straits Times. p. 2.
  38. ^ SENARAI PENUH PENERIMA DARJAH KEBESARAN, BINTANG DAN PINGAT PERSEKUTUAN TAHUN 1999. (PDF) (in Malay), Prime Minister's Department Ceremonial and Protocol Section, 1999, p. 37
  39. ^ "SPORTS AWARDS". New Straits Times. 25 June 1999. p. 42.
  40. ^ S. Navalan (31 December 1999). "The best of Malaysia". New Straits Times. p. 1.
  41. ^ Ooi, Danny (2004). Malaysia Book Of Records - Gold Edition (PDF). The Malaysia Book of Records. p. 213. ISBN 9839949632.
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