In the electrifying world of women’s badminton, Malaysia's dynamic duo Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan have turned a challenging Paris Olympics journey into a source of newfound joy and motivation.
Entering the Games as world No. 5, Tan and Muralitharan blazed through the early rounds to reach the semifinals, only to be halted by the formidable pair from the Chinese mainland, Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan. Despite a hard-fought battle, they missed out on a medal after a close bronze match against Japan’s Nami Matsuyama and Chiharu Shida, finishing fourth.
“We shouldered a lot of pressure in Paris and really did our best,” Tan reflects. “It’s a pity we didn’t get a medal, but after that experience, we enjoy and cherish every moment on court more than ever.”
The Malaysian pair’s journey didn’t just pit them against the established stars from the Chinese mainland. They also faced the rising young duo Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning, acknowledging the depth and resilience of their opponents. “Both pairs are excellent players,” Muralitharan adds. “These matches push us to elevate our game.”
Now back on the global stage, Tan and Muralitharan are channeling their Paris lessons into a refreshed mindset—prioritizing passion, learning, and the thrill of competition. As they prepare for upcoming tournaments, the duo’s evolution highlights a broader truth: sometimes, the greatest victories come from embracing setbacks and rediscovering the joy that fuels champions.
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Malaysia's badminton pair Tan, Muralitharan on changes after Olympics
cgtn.com
