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FORMER world No. 1 Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei described Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah as "marvellous" and a source of national pride.
"A big salute to Pearly-Thinaah for their marvellous run to the World Championship silver medal," he wrote on Facebook
Praises from the three-time Olympic silver medallist come after the duo clinched a historic silver medal at the World Championships.
The world No. 2 went down to China's top-ranked Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning 21-14, 20-22, 21-17 in a hard-fought battle at the Adidas Arena in Paris on Sunday.
Lee said Pearly and Thinaah have truly captivated the hearts of Malaysians, who just celebrated Merdeka Day, and inspired the badminton world with their fighting spirit.
“This journey is proof of your hard work, resilience, and unbreakable bond as a pair. “Thank you also to the coaching team, whose dedication made this success possible. Malaysia is proud of you both -this is only the beginning of greater heights ahead,” he wrote.
Others who praised the duo for the achievement include BA of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz who said their success went far beyond the court.
"Sports are the platform that unites the nation. Malay, Chinese, Indian - no matter our background, when someone wears the Malaysian jersey, our voices rise as one.
"This time the battle did not favour us, but support for Pearly-Thinaah remains unshaken. We will rise again because Malaysians never give up," he said on social media.
Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh meanwhile hailed the duo as "Malaysia's golden treasure." - September 1, 2025