In a poignant Instagram post, National women's doubles shuttler Thinaah Muralitharan has poured her heart out to her partner Pearly Tan Koong Le, paying tribute to their unbreakable bond and remarkable journey at the Olympic Games. The emotional message, shared on August 4th, a day after their Olympic journey came to a close, is a testament to the duo's unwavering support and dedication to each other.
Thinaah's heartfelt words, accompanied by a touching emoji, expressed her deepest gratitude to Pearly, acknowledging that she wouldn't have reached the Olympic stage without her partner's unwavering support. She highlighted Pearly's courageous battle against sickness and injuries leading up to the Games, as well as their challenging 1.5-week training period before heading to France for their camp.
The duo's journey was not without its obstacles, with Thinaah recalling the difficult times during their camp, feeling helpless, and wanting to return home due to misunderstandings. However, upon arriving at the Olympic Village, their bond strengthened, and they became an unstoppable force. "We did have awkward moments, but once the competition started, we were ONE," Thinaah shared, emphasizing their unity and motivation throughout the Games.
Despite being placed in the formidable "Group of Death," Thinaah and Pearly defied the odds, reaching the semi-finals and playing till the last day of the Games. The pressure, sleepless nights, and mental challenges were immense, but they persevered, with Thinaah acknowledging that "point by point, we made it!"
Although they returned home without a medal, Thinaah expressed her pride and gratitude for their shared experience, recognizing that not everyone would stand by them during their worst moments. She apologized for any disappointments and thanked Pearly for being a constant source of support.
Looking ahead, Thinaah expressed uncertainty about the future but emphasized her appreciation for the shared experience with Pearly. "I don't know what the future holds... but what I know is now I'm grateful and happy that I can share this precious moment with you, chaa," she wrote.
Thinaah concluded her heartfelt message with a reminder of their shared mantra: "Enjoy every single rally in the court, appreciate every second in court. Don't give up until the ball hits the ground." Her final words, "From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much, Pearly," were met with an equally emotional response from her partner, solidifying their incredible partnership.
This touching tribute is a testament to the power of teamwork, camaraderie, and the unbreakable bonds formed through shared experiences. Thinaah and Pearly's story serves as an inspiration to athletes and non-athletes alike, reminding us of the importance of gratitude, perseverance, and the unwavering support of our partners in both triumph and defeat.
