KUALA LUMPUR: Women's doubles star M. Thinaah, who has soared to international badminton fame with Pearly Tan, is overjoyed at finally celebrating Deepavali at home with her family for the first time in nearly seven years.
For Thinaah, 26, the price of success has been missing precious family moments as she and Pearly have regularly battled it out in European tournaments every October and November since their partnership began in 2019 — often clashing with the festival.
"It feels surreal," said Thinaah. "It's been so long — six or seven years since I celebrated Deepavali at home. This time, there's no tournament, so I'll be with my parents and siblings in Klang. I'm really grateful."
Since switching from singles to doubles in 2018, Thinaah has spent the festival overseas, video-calling her family in her Deepavali attire and celebrating with teammates.
"I'd dress up, call my family, and enjoy a meal with the team," she said.
"There'd be a belated celebration when I returned, but nothing compares to being home during Deepavali."
On Thursday,Thinaah will be surrounded by her parents, S. Muralitharan and Dr. K. Parimala Devi, along with her elder brother, M. Kejhan, and younger sister, M. Selinaah, in a long-awaited family celebration.
"I'll start with prayers, maybe visit the temple, and then it's all about family time," she said.
The sacrifices have only strengthened her drive on the court.
In August, Pearly-Thinaah became the first Malaysian women's pair to reach an Olympic semi-final, achieved at the Paris Games.
Reflecting on her career, Thinaah recalled the 2022 French Open, where she and Pearly clinched a Super 750 title, marking the peak of their achievements on the BWF World Tour.
"That title was worth every sacrifice," said Thinaah, who remembers celebrating a modest Deepavali in her hotel room with teammates that year.
Pearly-Thinaah's strong year-end performances have earned them the Super 500 Hong Kong Open title, alongside runner-up finishes in the Korea Open and Arctic Open.
Last year, the Korea Masters tournament clashed with Deepavali on Nov 12, forcing her to miss yet another family celebration.
Still, Thinaah takes it in stride.
"It's all worth it if we keep bringing titles home. That's the real joy."