
Pearly-Thinaah to stay with BAM until 2028 Olympics
Women's doubles Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah have ended speculation over their future by committing to the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) until at least the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The world No.3 are expected to sign a new contract before flying to Tokyo for the Japan Open on July 15-20.
Their decision brings much-needed relief to fans and officials alike, ending months of uncertainty after their previous deal expired in December.
All negotiations with BAM have now been wrapped up, with the new agreement ensuring Pearly-Thinaah remain the nation's key contenders in the hunt for a historic first Olympic gold.
BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz had earlier vowed to resolve the matter before the pair's trip to Japan, and he has stayed true to his word.
Following the Japan Open, the pair will head to the China Open (July 22-27), before preparing for the World Championships in Paris on Aug 25-31.
Their recent run of form has been nothing short of outstanding: champions at the Thailand Open, runners-up at the Indonesia Open, semi-finalists at the Malaysia Masters, and quarter-finalists in Singapore.
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New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Pearly-Thinaah to earn RM1mil each in blockbuster BAM deal
KUALA LUMPUR: Women's doubles Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah are expected to land bumper new contracts worth RM1 million each per year after agreeing to stay with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM). BH Sukan understands the lucrative offer was based on a decision made at a recent BAM council meeting despite talk that the world No.3 had initially pushed for even more, delaying the deal. However, BAM is believed to be open to increasing the package if Pearly-Thinaah hit their performance targets at three key tournaments - the Japan Open (July 15-20), China Open (July 22-27) and the World Championships in Paris (Aug 25-31). The pair have now agreed to sign on the dotted line, ending months of speculation over their future. They are expected to put pen to paper this weekend before flying to Tokyo. Their previous contracts expired in December last year, sparking rumours they might turn independent. But BAM president Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz had insisted the issue would be resolved before they head to Japan, and he's been proven right. Pearly-Thinaah have been in red-hot form recently, winning the Thailand Open, finishing runners-up at the Indonesia Open, and reaching the semi-finals of the Malaysia Masters and quarter-finals of the Singapore Open. When approached at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) on Tuesday, BAM secretary-general Datuk Kenny Goh refused to reveal more but hinted good news is on the way. "Just wait... the president already said it'll be sorted before the Japan Open, and there are still a few days to go," he said. "As he mentioned, the discussions have been very positive. That's all I can say. Of course, we want what's best so let's wait and see."


The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
National body willing to lend Zii Jia a helping hand
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The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
Big blow to young pairs
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