KUALA LUMPUR – Word has it that Malaysia’s top women’s doubles pair, Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, are set to remain with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
While BAM have neither confirmed nor denied the development, a source close to the matter revealed that Pearly and Thinaah have agreed to terms set by BAM, not their own demands.
Scoop first reported in April that the former French Open champions were mulling a move to the independent circuit after requesting a higher salary package, said to be in the region of RM2 million a year – on par with BAM’s top earners.
BAM later confirmed that the duo were the only national players without new contracts following the expiry of their previous deals in December 2024.
Although the national body made a revised offer in January, the pair initially declined.
A source close to the duo said they were inclined to stay and were expected to sign new contracts after the Thailand Open in May, but no update has since been issued.
Recently, BAM’s newly appointed president, Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, met Pearly and Thinaah in what was described as a positive discussion aimed at retaining the pair within the national setup. An official announcement is expected before the Super 750 Japan Open next week.
“As the president has said, it will be announced before the Japan Open. According to him, the meeting was positive, so let’s wait until then,” said BAM secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh earlier today. — July 8, 2025