Cover Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan, now ranked fourth in the world, are the first Malaysians to ever win the Thailand Open (Photo: Fady Younis)
Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan, now ranked fourth in the world, are the first Malaysians to ever win the Thailand Open (Photo: Fady Younis)
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Igniting hope for Malaysian women’s badminton, Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan share their views on their journey of facing challenges with a positive mindset
In the traditionally male-dominated world of Malaysian badminton, where the halls of fame have long been lined with men’s achievements, Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan are carving out a legacy of their own. The dynamic duo made history as the first Malaysian semi-finalists in the women’s doubles event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, competing for bronze against Japan’s world No. 4 team, Chiharu Shida and Nami Matsuyama. Now ranked sixth globally, Tan and Muralitharan are more than elite athletes—they are redefining the narrative around women in sports and hoping to inspire the next generation of champions.
Read more: Courting Greatness: a retrospective look at Malaysian badminton achievements
Tan and Muralitharan met at Bukit Jalil Sports School in 2013 before being paired to compete in 2019. Beyond being teammates, they’re best friends whose connection transcends the court. “Not many people get to do that,” Muralitharan says, grateful for every opportunity that allows them to compete and travel the world together.
“I’m happy to have Thinaah by my side because she’s a good listener, a great partner and also my best friend. She transforms pressure into motivation,” Tan says. This foundation of friendship and shared goals has proven crucial in navigating the intense pressures of the sport.
Above Muralitharan’s launched her professional career in badminton at just seven years old
Above Tan’s journey into badminton began at age three, influenced by her family’s strong ties to the sport
Muralitharan’s launched her professional career in badminton at just seven years old
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“Since 2020, there’s been no senior players to guide us. All of them have left or even quit their badminton careers, so it’s been a bit hard,” Tan shares. Then, just 20 years old, Tan was thrust into a leadership position as part of Malaysia’s premier women’s doubles team, having to learn through experience. “It was quite hard for me because I was still a junior and didn’t know as much,” Tan says, emphasising the steep learning curve they faced. The pair have always looked up to Datuk Wira Lee Chong Wei, former World No. 1 and triple Olympic silver medalist, who retired in 2019 following a nose cancer diagnosis.
See also: Pearly-Thinaah duo contenders for Olympic bronze
Yet, what could have been a disadvantage has become part of their strength. Their journey represents a new era in Malaysian badminton, where young female athletes set new benchmarks. Tan’s achievement as a Guinness World Record holder for the fastest women’s badminton hit is particularly noteworthy, clocking 438km/h in April 2023.
“I don’t have much power,” Tan says, “but my dad always taught me to focus on speed and skill.” Tan is immensely proud of the achievement, feeling it honours her father who was her first badminton coach. “Whenever I felt self-doubt, it was my dad who has always helped and supported me through it. He’s been my biggest source of motivation, believing in me even when I’ve doubted myself.”
Above They were the first Malaysian women’s doubles pair to claim the French Open title
Above They want to be remembered for their fighting spirit and determination
They were the first Malaysian women’s doubles pair to claim the French Open title
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Despite wins at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and even becoming the first Malaysian women’s doubles pair to claim the French Open title, the road to success hasn’t been smooth. Leading up to the 2024 Olympics in Paris, the duo faced intense pressure and personal challenges. “It’s not only physically draining but also mentally very draining,” Muralitharan says. The month before the Olympics tested their relationship, as Muralitharan admits expectations were high. “We had a lot of misunderstandings that affected our relationship.” Yet, their response to these challenges showcases their resilience: “Once we walked into the Olympic village, whatever happened before was left in the past. We didn’t even think about it.” The team reveals this instinct to align their focus without words, demonstrating the depth of their partnership and trust.
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Although their bid for an Olympic bronze ended in disappointment, the pair have learned to look back on the experience with pride. “We have to give credit to ourselves because it wasn’t easy to reach that far,” Muralitharan says. “After the Olympics, we just wanted to cast off our burdens and enjoy badminton again,” she adds. Tan says, “I tell myself that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes, it’s just not the right timing, but I give my best and trust the results will come.”
Tan and Muralitharan share the hope that their career will inspire future generations to exceed them. “I hope more women will see us, want to play badminton and become even better than us,” Tan says. Muralitharan adds, “We hope our achievements can inspire junior players to see that anything is possible and they shouldn’t give up.”
Above Tan is the current Guinness World Record holder for the fastest women’s badminton hit
Above Muralitharan was also driven to be able to communicate effectively with her fellow teammates, learning Mandarin in six months
Tan is the current Guinness World Record holder for the fastest women’s badminton hit
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As for facing gender stereotypes, Muralitharan points out that every female athlete in any sport confronts the issue. “There is always an impact, but when it comes to Pearly and I, we don’t give too much thought to those comparisons because we’re focused on playing well and giving it our best. I think the results will speak for themselves.”
Their approach to pressure and expectations offers valuable lessons for aspiring athletes. They’ve learned to transform pressure into motivation through mutual support. “Every time I feel pressure or Thinaah feels pressure, we always talk to each other,” Tan explains. Even so, Muralitharan admits it’s just as important to know how to “turn off game mode,” by taking short breaks. “I spend time with friends and family, watching movies or playing other games. It lets me return to badminton refreshed and motivated again.” This openness about mental health and the importance of support systems marks a positive shift in the sport.
Above Muralitharan and Tan have been a dynamic badminton duo since 2019, quickly racking up wins and breaking into the world top ten rankings
Muralitharan and Tan have been a dynamic badminton duo since 2019, quickly racking up wins and breaking into the world top ten rankings
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Looking ahead, both athletes are focused on the next Olympics while maintaining perspective about their broader impact. “The main thing is definitely to stay injury-free,” Muralitharan notes, acknowledging the challenges female athletes face as they age.
They have no desire, however, to leave behind a legacy focused on wins and losses. They want to be remembered for their fighting spirit and determination to give their best in every showdown. Tan and Muralitharan embody the power of partnership, resilience and the importance of visible role models for young women in sports. Their message to aspiring female athletes is consistent and powerful, as Tan says: “Never give up and always believe in yourself because everything is possible.”
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Credits
Photography: Fady Younis
Location: Badminton Association Malaysia
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