PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles shuttler Toh Ee Wei hopes to inspire more women to overcome obstacles and chase success after she was recognised as one of Malaysia's Top 30 Women Excellence Icons in Sports in 2025.
Ee Wei was deservedly rewarded following her historic World Championships gold along with Chen Tang Jie in Paris in August.
The 25-year-old became the first female shuttler to capture the world title after men's doubles pair Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik had first ended Malaysia's long wait for the crown in 2022.
Ee Wei's success though did not come easy as she had to overcome various challenges to reach the top including surviving bone tuberculosis in 2021.
She hopes her fighting spirit and determination will spur young girls to go after their dreams too.
"This award means a lot to me because the journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced many obstacles along the way," said Ee Wei.
"But with passion, perseverance, and the support of those around me, I’ve learned to stay strong and keep moving forward.
"I hope this recognition can inspire more women and young girls to believe in themselves, overcome challenges, and chase their dreams with confidence."
The award is also a boost for Ee Wei as she aims to continue her strong form with Tang Jie.
The pair will compete next in the Australian Open which starts next Tuesday in Sydney.
World No. 4 Tang Jie-Ee Wei had to skip the Hylo Open last month and the ongoing Japan Masters after the former picked up a shoulder injury during the French Open.
Tang Jie though has returned to training and is expected to be fit in time for the Australian tourney.
The 27-year-old Tang Jie and Ee Wei will be the top seeds in the competition and will be eyeing their first World Tour title of the year in the absence of several top pairs.
Tang Jie-Ee Wei will open their campaign against fellow Malaysians Wong Tien Ci-Lim Chiew Sien.
The former's best result in the World Tour so far this year came in the China Masters in September where they finished runners' up to Thailand's world No. 3 Dechapol Puavaranukroh-Supissara Paewsampran.
