PETALING JAYA: It may not have ended in glory, but Malaysia’s women’s team have left the Uber Cup Finals with something just as valuable - belief.
Captain M. Thinaah, who sat out the quarter-final clash against China in Horsens, Denmark, could only watch from the sidelines as her teammates battled bravely in a 3-0 defeat at Forum Horsens on Thursday (April 30).
Those in the Malaysian squad are singles players K. Lethanaa (22 years old), Wong Ling Ching (22), Siti Zulaikha Azmi (19), Goh Jin Wei (26); and doubles shuttlers Carmen Ting-Ong Xin Yee (19, 19), Low Zi Yu-Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan (15, 18), and Chong Jie Yu (20).
Despite the loss, the national side pushed the mighty 16-time champions and showed grit that belied their youth in what was Malaysia’s first quarter-final appearance in 16 years.
And for the 28-year-old Thinaah, who arrived in Horsens without her regular partner and injured Pearly Tan, the experience redefined what it truly means to be a captain.
“Definition of a captain: leader of a team. But my team taught me otherwise,” she said in a heartfelt message on her social media platform.
“It’s not an easy role because there are many aspects to consider and a lot of responsibilities to be accounted for.
“But being here with them made my role as a captain one of the easiest and most exciting ever.”
Thinaah admitted her disappointment at not being able to contribute a point throughout the campaign, but was quick to turn the spotlight on her teammates’ fighting spirit.
“I am disappointed and sad that I couldn’t contribute a point for the team in this tournament, for that I am sorry.
“But the fighting spirit and determination each and every one of you showcased had me thinking of what our women’s team can do when we are one.”
The skipper reserved special praise for the squad, many of whom were competing in the Finals for the first time.
“I am very proud of every single one of you and I’m very lucky to have all of you as teammates.
“Thank you for trusting me to be your captain, but to be honest, all of you are leaders too.”
