Ichinomiya:Ichinomiya City: National women's doubles pair Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah have 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.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, their victory over the Indian pair, Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly, with scores of 21-18, 21-9 in the quarter-finals at Ichinomiya City Municipal Gymnasium ensures the world number five pair at least a bronze medal.

This achievement marks Malaysia's first medal in the Asian Games women's doubles event since Vivian Hoo and Woon Khe Wei won bronze at the 2014 Incheon Games. For Pearly and Thinaah, this success comes after months of challenges, including Pearly's injury issues that required breaks and rehabilitation.

Thinaah expressed that the 2014 medal serves as a morale booster, but their focus remains on their own performance. Pearly added that they are taking a step-by-step approach, not looking too far ahead, and are concentrating on each match as it comes.

In the upcoming semi-final, Pearly and Thinaah will face the top-seeded Chinese pair, Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan. Thinaah emphasized the importance of preparation and recovery, focusing on their playing style and discussing strategies with their coach.