Malaysian Indian talents have always carved a name for themselves in many fields, whether it’s in entertainment, education, sports or beyond. Their hard work, resilience and determination continue to inspire the community and uplift the nation. This Malaysia Day, as we honour the spirit of unity and pride, we also shine a spotlight on Malaysian Indian athletes whose recently made remarkable achievements brought glory to Malaysia on both local and international stages.
Thinaah Muralitharan
A name that has been making waves in the sports arena is none other than Thinaah Muralitharan, a Malaysian badminton star who has etched her mark in history. Best known for her remarkable partnership with Pearly Tan in Women’s Doubles, Thinaah has consistently showcased her grit and sportsmanship. The duo recently secured second place in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) rankings and proudly brought home a bronze medal at the 2024 Olympics.
Thinaah’s relentless dedication and achievements stand as a true testament to her talent and as a shining contribution to the nation’s sporting legacy.
Sivasangari Subramaniam
On the global squash stage, Sivasangari Subramaniam carries the Malaysian flag with pride and power. From her gold medal win at the 2024 London Classic — becoming only the second Malaysian woman after Dato Nicol Ann David to achieve this feat — to her recent triumph at the 2025 Cincinnati Gaynor Cup, she has proven herself as one of the nation’s brightest stars.
Now ranked 8th in the world, Sivasangari’s journey is more than just personal success; it is a story of resilience, determination, and national pride that continues to inspire Malaysians everywhere.
Kisona Selvaduray
Another rising star in Malaysian badminton is Kisona Selvaduray, whose talent in Women’s Singles has captured the nation’s heart. She first gained global recognition with her victory at the 2019 SEA Games, where she shone as a gold medalist. In 2024, Kisona made history once again by becoming the first Malaysian woman to win the prestigious Dutch Open title.
Her journey of perseverance and triumph continues to inspire, marking her as one of the brightest athletes to carry Malaysia’s pride on the international stage.
Sharmendran Raghonathan
Sharmendran Raghonathan is an iconic name in Malaysian karate, a true champion who carved his place in history with four SEA Games gold medals. After an illustrious career, he retired from competition but his journey in the sport didn’t end there. Appointed as Malaysia’s New National Karate Head Coach, Sharmendran now dedicates his time to nurturing the next generation of athletes.
His passion and leadership continue to inspire many, proving that his legacy goes far beyond his own victories — it lives on in the champions he is shaping for the future.
Thamaraj Vasudevan
Thamaraj Vasudevan made history by becoming the first Malaysian Indian to win gold at the World Pencak Silat Championship, a feat that brought pride to the nation. His triumph in Malaysia’s traditional martial art not only showcases his dedication and skill but also reflects the strength of the country’s multicultural identity.
This Malaysia Day, Thamaraj’s achievement reminds us how our athletes, regardless of background, continue to put Malaysia on the global stage.
From the tracks to the courts, Malaysian Indian athletes have carried our flag with pride and passion. Their victories are not just personal milestones, but moments of unity and inspiration for all Malaysians. This Malaysia Day, we honour their journey, their sacrifices, and the glory they bring to our nation.
