BANGKOK: Malaysia’s women’s badminton team secured a bronze medal at the SEA Games 2025 after a hard-fought 3-2 defeat to Indonesia in the semifinals.
Despite the defeat, the team shared third place with Singapore.
The opening match saw Malaysia’s Karupathevan Letshanaa suffer a straight-sets defeat to Indonesia’s Putri Kusuma Wardani, with scores of 9-21, 10-21, putting Malaysia on the back foot early in the tie.
However, Malaysia responded strongly in the second match as the doubles pair Thinaah Muralitharan and Pearly Tan delivered a thrilling three-set win against Indonesia’s Rache Allessay and Febi Setianingrum, finishing 21-14, 17-21, 21-16 to level the score.
Sarawak’s rising star Wong Ling Ching then added a significant victory for Malaysia, overcoming Indonesia’s Gregoria Mariska Tunjung in another intense three-setter, 22-20, 15-21, 21-16. Wong’s spirited performance highlighted her determination and skill on the regional stage.
Unfortunately for Malaysia, Indonesia regained momentum in the fourth match when the doubles team of Go Pei Kee and Toh Ee Wei fell to Febriana Dwipuji Kusuma and Meilysa Trias Puspitasari, 10-21, 9-21.
The deciding match saw Siti Zulaikha unable to overcome Indonesia’s Mutiara Ayu Puspitasari, losing 18-21, 16-21, which sealed the overall 3-2 victory for Indonesia.
Speaking after the match, Thinaah said the team remained confident throughout despite the pressure, emphasising teamwork and belief as key factors in their fight.
“It doesn’t matter whether you play World Tour tournaments or Olympic Games or Asian Games or whatever.
“But this is also a big tournament for us. And to be in these SEA Games is something very special for the both of us as well.
“We just want to do our best and leave no regrets on the court,” she said.
The Malaysian women’s badminton team can take pride in their strong showing, demonstrating resilience and teamwork amid tough competition.
