The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has confirmed that national women’s doubles pair Pearly Tan and M.Thinaah will be given the time and space they need to decide on their contract renewal, with no deadline imposed on the process.
The duo, currently ranked World.No.5, have yet to sign the new contract offered to them earlier this year. Their previous agreement with BAM ended in December 2024. While discussion have been ongoing since January, it is understood that the pair are negotiating for improved terms, particularly concerning remuneration.
Speaking at the Malaysia Masters 2025 press conference at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM), BAM’s acting president Datuk V. Subramaniam said the association is not putting pressure on the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist and remain optimistic about reaching an agreement.
“They haven’t signed the contracts yet, but discussions are ongoing. I’m confident we’ll reach a resolution soon”, said Subramaniam. There are no issues between us. They’re still with BAM and remain fully committed to our programme.”
Subramaniam also emphasized BAM’s long standing support and significant investment in Pearly-Thinaah since their early development as players. The pair are currently part of the Road to Gold (RTG) programme, which supports atheist targeting podium finishes at future Olympic Games.
“Our aim has always been to nurture young talent, provide world-class training, and develop medal contenders for the nation. We’ve spent a lot on them, it’s not a small amount,” he noted. While the pair’s contract discussion continue, BAM will continue it’s commitment to welfare and development.
Although Pearly-Thinaah have yet to clinch a title in 2025, their performance has remained strong. They finished as runner up at the Indonesia Masters in January and reached the semi finals of the India Open. They also secured quarter final spots at the Orleans Master and the prestigious All England Championships.
The duo is set to initiate Malaysia’s women double charge at the upcoming Sudirman Cup, taking place in Xiamen, China, from 27th April to 4th May. They will be joined by World No.25 pair Carmen Ting and Go Pei Kee, who have been named as the second women’s doubles team for the mixed team event.
Subramaniam also addressed the inclusion of Chen Tang Jie and Toh Ee Wei in the RTG programme, despite the recent announcement that the pair would be temporarily separated for upcoming tournaments. The decision to split the pair was made following recommendations from the national coaching team, led by doubles coaching director Rexy Mainaky, and mixed doubles head coach Nova Widianto, due to internal tensions. Their participation in the RTG initiative for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games remains voluntary and it is now up to the players to decide on their next steps.
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