Career
Ismail"s involvement in badminton began when he joined the Dapat Badminton Party, winning numerous titles at both local and regional tournaments. After that, he joined the Devonshire Badminton Party and was nurtured by Coach Yap Che Te. He soon became the "Number.
2" singles player in Singapore, behind Wong Peng Soon.
In 1951, Ismail and Ong swept all major tournament titles during an eight-month tour of Europe, including the Danish, French and British doubles titles. In the All England Badminton Championship of 1951, they made it to the final of the men"s doubles but were defeated by Malaysian pair David Choong and Eddy Choong.
In the 1951 French Open men"s singles semi-final, Ismail gave Ong a walkover so that the latter would be better rested for his final match against Wong Peng Soon. Ong went on to defeat Wong in the men"s singles final as well as winning the men"s doubles title with Ismail.
Ismail"s dedication to badminton was laudable as he was still serving as advisor to the F&North Badminton Training Scheme up to his death.
He had helped to coach the national team and the youths in the training scheme for several years. Ismail died on 25 January 1991 at the Singapore General Hospital due to heart and stomach illness. He was 70 years old.