Cover National badminton players Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan reflects on resilience, dreams and rising together with Maxis this Merdeka season
National badminton players Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan reflects on resilience, dreams and rising together with Maxis this Merdeka season
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Partnering Maxis and produced by Tatler Malaysia, Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan reveal how resilience, purpose and taking action define their path forward
Produced by Tatler Malaysia partnering with Maxis, we celebrate Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan, Malaysia’s World No 2 women’s doubles pair whose journey reflects the essence of Maxis’ ethos: “Tomorrow Begins Today.” The first Malaysian duo to reach the semi-finals of the Olympics in women’s doubles, they are champions of the 2024 Hong Kong Open, 2022 French Open and 2021 Swiss Open, and have redefined the game with their dynamism, grit and unity. In doing so, Tan and Muralitharan have not only risen to international prominence but also changed the face of women’s badminton in Malaysia.
Read more: How Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan are changing the face of women’s badminton
For both athletes, success is not just about medals but about consistency and resilience. “We show up even when we are tired, and we keep going,” says Tan. Muralitharan adds, “I think for me showing up on hard days is another opportunity to make things even better.” Their shared belief is that seizing the moment is about more than just results. As Muralitharan explains, “Seizing the moment isn’t just about winning, it’s about putting in the work, one rally at a time.” It is this mindset that has allowed them to stand apart and transform how the sport is perceived, inspiring a new generation of women athletes.
Above Pearly and Thinaah, Malaysia's top women's badminton pair, show us that greatness goes beyond winning
With roots in distinct cultural traditions, Tan and Muralitharan channel Malaysia’s collective strength through their shared purpose. Their partnership, built on friendship and trust, mirrors how varied perspectives forge resilience and creativity. Together, they demonstrate that diversity can catalyse greatness. On the court and beyond, they’ve reshaped perceptions of women’s badminton, embodying how Malaysia thrives when its people unite.
See also: French Open 2022: Malaysia's Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah Make History
Beyond their achievements, both athletes carry with them the simple rituals and quiet moments that keep them grounded. For Tan, her “lucky socks” ritual has become something of a trademark. “I will wash and dry my socks quickly and try to wear the same pairs of socks if I keep winning,” she shares with a laugh, adding that she often gravitates to a favourite shade of pink. If the socks bring victory, they return to the laundry for another cycle of fortune. She also trusts Muralitharan with a different kind of ritual: “She always chooses the colour of our jerseys,” Tan says. “I’ll go with my instincts,” Muralitharan adds, as Tan agrees with a smile, “I’ll let her choose.”
When it comes to relaxation, Tan finds comfort in the company of her pets, taking them for walks or retreating into moments of solitude to recharge while Muralitharan enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies. These small glimpses into their daily lives remind us that champions, too, need rituals of calm to balance the intensity of their sport, and that these pauses allow them to prepare today for the challenges of the future.
Role models for a generation, Muralitharan and Tan hope to inspire young girls across Malaysia to believe in their dreams and chase them with courage
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Preparation involves discipline, and theirs is always matched by their sense of purpose. “I hope we can make all Malaysians proud, and I hope women’s doubles can shine brighter so that we can inspire all the young girls to chase their dreams too,” says Tan. Muralitharan echoes her partner’s wish: “Like what Pearly said, it’s about making my family proud and also inspiring young girls to always believe in themselves, to always have a goal and to believe anything is possible.” Their journey has elevated the visibility of women’s badminton, ensuring that it commands the same respect and admiration as other elite disciplines, while lighting the path for a new generation.
Don’t miss: Courting Greatness: a retrospective look at Malaysian badminton achievements
As Maxis’ brand purpose affirms: The possibilities of tomorrow start with the choices we make and the action we take today. Tan reflects, “I want to be remembered as someone who gave everything for the love of the game.” Muralitharan concludes, “I think for me, I want to be remembered as a kid who never gave up on their dreams, because dreams matter. Dreams do not clock out,” Tan finishes, “We just clock in again tomorrow.” By embodying resilience, grace and determination, they have shifted perceptions, inspired countless Malaysians, and set a new benchmark for women’s doubles badminton.
This Merdeka season, their wish for Malaysians is heartfelt: “Selamat Hari Kebangsaan dan Hari Malaysia. Together we rise, one step, one smash, one dream at a time.”
Credits
Creative Direction: Eke Sumber Omardin
Creative Direction: Micky Wong (Director)
Videography: Noah Chin
Producer: Sally Yap & Atiyya Zulkarnain
Photography: Ho Theng Ai
Camera Crew: Arianto Bin Mintek (ANTO)
Styling: Azza Arif
Hair: Eva Kerk
Make-Up: Eva Kerk
Video Editor: Rexma Ho
Video Editor: Chen Yi Zhi (Colourist)
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