Kuala lumpur: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has congratulated national doubles pair Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah and Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani for finishing runners-up in the women’s and men’s events, respectively, at the 2025 Japan Open badminton championships. Ahmad Zahid described the fighting spirit, high discipline and strong determination shown by the two pairs as a source of inspiration for all Malaysians.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ahmad Zahid encouraged the athletes to continue their efforts and remain fearless in their pursuits. “Continue to move forward, keep fighting. Don’t ever feel afraid or retreat. Every drop of sweat paves the way to even greater success. We all stand firmly behind you. For the country, for Malaysia!” he posted on Facebook.

In today’s Japan Open finals, Pearly-Thinaah emerged as runners-up after losing 5-21, 14-21 to world number one Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning of China. Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin, meanwhile, went down 16-21, 17-21 to South Korea’s Kim
Won Ho-Seo Seung Jae.

As runners-up, each Malaysian pair took home USD33,250 (RM141,000).