National coaching director Rexy Mainaky praised Malaysia’s women’s badminton team for their fighting spirit despite a 3-1 defeat to South Korea in the quarterfinals of the team event at the Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 on Tuesday, September 22. The loss at Ichinomiya marked the end of Malaysia’s campaign, leaving the squad unable to secure a medal and extending a 64-year wait for a podium finish in the women’s team category since their silver medal at the 1962 Jakarta Asian Games.
Rexy Mainaky Applauds Team Effort After Quarterfinal Exit
Facing a formidable South Korean side anchored by top-tier talent, the Malaysian squad fell behind early when K Letshanaa dropped the opening match to world number one An Se-young with a score of 21-12, 21-8, as reported by Ligaolahraga.com. Despite the deficit, world number five pair Pearly Tan and M Thinaah leveled the score by defeating world champions Baek Ha Na and Lee So Hee 22-20, 21-17. However, singles player Wong Ling Ching fell to Kim Ga Eun 21-12, 21-18, and makeshift pair Cheng Su Yin and Low Zi Yu narrowly lost a deciding match 24-22 in the third set to Jeong Na Eun and Kim Hye Jeong after winning the opener 21-18.
Following the exit, Rexy Mainaky offered strong words of encouragement to his players. “Everyone played well today, both singles and doubles,” Rexy Mainaky said, according to Berita Harian and Ligaolahraga.com. The director of national doubles emphasized that the team gave their best against the defending champions, pushing several matches to the wire.
Historical Context of Malaysia’s Women’s Team Campaign
The nation’s last medal in the women’s team event remains the silver captured at the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta.
Pro Tip: Analyzing match-by-match momentum shifts in team badminton tournaments offers key insights into how doubles pairings adapt under high-pressure continental formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who defeated Malaysia in the women’s team quarterfinals at the Asian Games 2026?
South Korea defeated Malaysia 3-1 in the quarterfinals held in Ichinomiya on September 22, 2026.
What was the score of the match between Pearly Tan/M Thinaah and Baek Ha Na/Lee So Hee?
Pearly Tan and M Thinaah won their match against the South Korean pair with scores of 22-20, 21-17.
Who praised the Malaysian team’s performance after the loss?
National coaching director Rexy Mainaky praised the players for their fighting spirit and effort against the defending champions.
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