2025-09-01,KUALA LUMPUR

Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah's historic silver medal at the World Championships has drawn glowing praise from national icons and leaders, who hailed the duo's grit and unity after their inspiring campaign in Paris.

The world No. 2 fought fearlessly against China's top-ranked Liu Sheng Shu and Tan Ning before going down 21-14, 20-22, 21-17 in an exciting women's doubles final at the Adidas Arena on Sunday.

Former world No. 1 Datuk Seri Lee Chong Wei led the chorus of tributes, calling the duo "marvellous" and a source of national pride.

"A big salute to Pearly-Thinaah for their marvellous run to the World Championship silver medal," said the three-time Olympic silver medallist on Facebook.

"You have truly captivated the hearts of Malaysians, who just celebrated Merdeka Day, and inspired the badminton world with your fighting spirit.

"This journey is proof of your hard work, tenacity, and unbreakable bond as a pair.

"Malaysia is proud of you both — this is only the beginning of greater heights ahead."

BA of Malaysia (BAM) president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz praised the unifying power of sport, stressing that Pearly-Thinaah's success went far beyond the court.

"Sports are the platform that unites the nation," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

"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."

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh was equally effusive, hailing the pair as "Malaysia's golden treasure."

"Pearly-Thinaah made history by becoming the country's first women's doubles silver medallists at the World Championships," she said.

"Silver in medal, but you remain our golden treasure."

The duo's run capped Malaysia's best-ever performance in the event and cemented their place as trailblazers in national badminton history.