KUALA LUMPUR: For decades, Malaysian badminton has largely been about the men. From the legends of the Thomas Cup era to the modern exploits of Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei, it was always the men who carried the nation’s hopes.
That changed on Sunday when Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah stormed into the World Championships final in Paris, winning silver and becoming the first Malaysian women’s pair to reach the world podium.
Women’s doubles head coach Rosman Razak said the achievement proves that Malaysian women can now stand tall on the global stage.
“If we follow history, it’s rare for Malaysian women to succeed in badminton. It has always been the men,” said Rosman.
“This has proven that women’s players are also capable of shining at the international level. Pearly and Thinaah have become a benchmark for the younger ones.”
Rosman believes the pair’s presence at the top level offers inspiration for the grassroots, especially girls who may have once seen badminton glory as out of reach.
“The good thing is they are still playing and still hungry. Juniors can learn from them directly, not from players who have retired. That makes a huge difference,” he said.
The breakthrough was not without hardship. Pearly-Thinaah had lost two previous major finals before Paris, but their maturity and adaptability saw them finally succeed at the third attempt.
“In the past, when the game wasn’t going well, emotions would creep in and they’d get dragged down,” said Rosman.
“Now they dare to change tactics, listen to instructions and keep fighting. Whether it works out or not is secondary, what matters is they are prepared to go to the maximum.”
Rosman acknowledged that Malaysia’s women’s doubles field is still developing and lacks depth. But with Pearly-Thinaah blazing the trail, he hopes it will spark a new wave of talent.
“This is proof that it is not impossible. They’ve shown the way,” he said.
Pearly-Thinaah’s silver medal has not only carved out history but also redefined the conversation about women’s badminton in Malaysia.
No longer confined to the shadows, the women have finally taken their place on the world stage.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
