Pearly-Thinaah End 12-Year Asian Games Medal Drought, Advance to Semi-Finals

NAGOYA, Sept 27 — National women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah ended Malaysia’s 12-year wait for an Asian Games medal in the event by advancing to the semi-finals at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games today.

The world number five pair guaranteed at least a bronze medal after securing a convincing 21-18, 21-9 victory over India’s Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly in the quarter-finals at the Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium. Their triumph delivers Malaysia’s first Asian Games podium finish in women’s doubles since Vivian Hoo and Woon Khe Wei claimed bronze at the 2014 Incheon Games.

The milestone follows a grueling stretch for the duo, during which Pearly suffered multiple injury setbacks that required extended rehabilitation breaks. Speaking after the match, Thinaah stressed that the pair is maintaining full focus on their own game rather than the historical weight of the accomplishment.

“That (2014 medal) certainly serves as a morale booster, but we aren’t dwelling on it too much. Over the past few weeks, we’ve just focused on ourselves and each other,” Thinaah said. “We want to give our best and have no regrets.”

Pearly added that they are adopting a match-by-match mindset as they prepare for a tough semi-final encounter against China’s top-seeded duo, Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan.

“Of course, everyone wants to reach the final, but we are taking it one match at a time. Tomorrow’s semi-final won’t be easy, and we remain the underdogs, as always,” Pearly said. “We are carrying the feelings and momentum we’ve built since the first match into every game.”

Thinaah noted that the pair will focus on physical recovery, proper nutrition, and tactical evaluations with their coaching staff ahead of the semi-final fixture.

–NMT