Malaysia's world No. 5 women's doubles badminton pair, Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan, recently opened up about their transformative journey following the Paris Olympics and their experiences facing top Chinese opponents. The duo, who narrowly missed a podium finish, emphasized newfound resilience and appreciation for competitive play.
After reaching the semifinals, Tan and Muralitharan faced a tough loss to China's Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan, the eventual gold medalists. A subsequent defeat to Japan's Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida left them in fourth place. Despite the setbacks, the pair highlighted a shift in mindset. 'We enjoy ourselves more on the court now,' Tan told CGTN Sports Scene. 'In Paris, we carried immense pressure but gave our all. The loss stung, but it taught us to cherish every match.'
The Malaysian athletes also praised their Chinese rivals, including younger pair Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning. 'They’re technically mature with strong mental resolve,' Tan noted. 'Facing them is always challenging, but it pushes us to improve.' Their reflections underscore the dynamic nature of Asian badminton, where cross-border rivalries fuel excellence.
As Malaysia eyes future tournaments, Tan and Muralitharan’s adaptability and sportsmanship offer a compelling narrative for athletes and fans alike.
