KUALA LUMPUR: National badminton women's doubles pair Pearly Tan-M.Thinaah's defeat in the 2024 Paris Olympics semi-finals was met with words of encouragement from Malaysians.
Despite their disappointment over the loss, social media users remained spirited and continued their words of encouragement to the doubles pair to continue with their remarkable performance and secure the bronze medal.
An X user, @sengfoo88 said despite their loss in the semi-finals, they are still considered the best-performing Malaysian women's double team in Olympics history.
"Still the best-performing Malaysian WD (women-double) in Olympics history. Let's go for bronze," he said in an X post.
Meanwhile, @avineshW90 said before the semi-final match no one gave Tan and Thinaah any chances to march further in the tournament but they managed to defy all the odds against them.
He also hoped that both of them would continue their amazing performance in the next Olympics in Los Angeles, four years from now.
"These two defied the odds.
"Before the games, no one expected them to get to the knockout stages because of their group, but Pearly and Thinaah defied the odds by showing hunger and fighting in all their matches.
"This defeat should be an encouragement for Los Angeles. Walk tall!" he said.
@HelloBWJr said the double performance was 'superbly outstanding' against the world number one team from China, Chen Qing Chen-Jia Yi Fan as they gave the four-time world champions a run for their money.
"Personally for PearThin to be able to give such a fight and hard time to WR1 + World Champs, is superbly outstanding.
"Even they were so stressed. Chin up girls there's still bronze so go for that!!" the user said.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also told the doubles team not to give up despite the loss and appreciated their efforts in this tournament.
"Don't give up. Pearly-Thinaah, you are still our pride!" Anwar said in an X post.
Another social media user @HermyRahim shared his appreciation for the girls' efforts to reach the Olympics semi-final and hoped they would bring home the bronze medal for the Malaysian contingent.
"Thank you, Thinaah-Pearl, for everything. Hope the bronze is ours!" he said.
Earlier today, Tan and Thinaah were defeated 21-12, 18-21, 21-15.
Although they are not in the final, the duo might still return with a medal if they win the bronze medal playoff on Saturday.