KUALA LUMPUR: Women's doubles badminton player Pearly Tan shared a heartwarming message for her partner, M. Thinaah, after their recent loss in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The pair, who had hoped to secure a bronze medal for Malaysia, faced a setback when they were defeated by China's Chen Qing Chen and Jia Yi Fan.
In a touching Facebook post, Pearly reflected on their journey together, highlighting their deep friendship and partnership.
Addressing Thinaah affectionately as "chaaaaa", Pearly expressed her gratitude and admiration for their shared experiences and growth.
"We've been friends since we were young and know each other inside out. Although we weren't destined to be partners from the start, we found each other and made it this far.
"Our journey has had its ups and downs, but these challenges have taught me the true meaning of perseverance and partnership. Without you, my Olympic dream would never have come true," Pearly wrote.
This was the duo's Olympic debut, and despite their disappointment, Pearly praised Thinaah for her support through injuries and struggles.
"Sorry for always being sick and injured over the years and leaving you to handle things alone. It's been tough, but I'm grateful to have you by my side. When we saw our group draw, we knew only we could truly understand each other's feelings. The experience has been surreal, and the struggles have been worth it," she added.
Pearly also acknowledged the challenges they faced during the past two weeks, saying that their bond and shared memories were more valuable than any medal.
"The obstacles we've overcome, from physical challenges to mental battles, have only made us stronger. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right? The bonds we share and the memories we've created are worth more than any medal. Thank you for being my partner and best friend! Together, we can conquer anything," she added.
The post, which included seven photos of the duo, received over 4,000 likes and hundreds of supportive comments from fans and supporters.