KUALA LUMPUR — Not being home for Deepavali is something national women’s singles shuttler K. Letshanaa has learned to accept.
This year marks the third consecutive Festival of Lights she will celebrate abroad, as the 22-year-old competes in the Super 750 French Open in Cesson-Sévigné, which starts tomorrow.
Speaking to Scoop from France, Letshanaa said that while she misses family celebrations, she has grown accustomed to life on tour.
“As athletes, this is our life — we’re not always around to celebrate the festivities,” she said.
“But I will always cherish the good times I had celebrating Deepavali with my family. It’s always about fireworks with my cousins and the good food.”
“For the past three years, I’ve been abroad during Deepavali. I carry those memories with me, but now I just want to perform well and make all the sacrifices worthwhile,” added Letshanaa, who is set to face India’s Unnati Hooda in the opening round.
Asked if her family might travel to celebrate with her, Letshanaa said there are no plans yet.
“It’s an idea, but so far, we haven’t talked about it,” she said.
“Right now, my focus is on stabilising my game and reaching greater heights. I’ll have time to celebrate properly one day.”
Also competing in France this week is one half of Malaysia’s top women’s doubles pair, M. Thinaah, who partners Pearly Tan. The duo are scheduled to face Chinese Taipei’s Hsu Yin-Hui and Lin Jhih-Yun in their first-round match. — October 20, 2025