Rising Malaysian badminton ѕtаr Ong Xin Yее іѕ setting her ѕіghtѕ оn аn аmbіtіоuѕ gоаl — ԛuаlіfуіng fоr thе 2028 Lоѕ Angеlеѕ Olympics іn thе wоmеn’ѕ doubles bаdmіntоn category. At just 19 years old, she is already making waves on the international stage and credits much of her motivation to her idols, Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, Malaysia’s top-ranked women’s doubles pair.
Currently ranked world No. 42, Ong Xin Yee and her partner Carmen Ting are steadily climbing the international rankings. The young duo has already participated in high-profile BWF tournaments, including Super 500 and Super 1000 events, where they have gained valuable experience competing against top-tier pairs.
Their breakthrough moment came at the Indonesia Open 2025 Super 1000, where they advanced to the second round, surprising many — including themselves.
“I didn’t expect to reach this level so quickly after moving up from junior competitions,” said Xin Yee. “But training and sparring with players like Pearly and Thinaah has been a huge help and inspiration.”
Pearly-Thinaah: Role Models On and Off the Court
Pearly Tan and M. Thinaah, currently ranked No. 3 in the world, have become icons for younger players in Malaysia. Despite uncertainties surrounding their contract status with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), the veteran pair continues to train and compete under the national body. BAM has continued supporting them financially, even after their previous contracts expired, signaling mutual respect and potential for a renewed agreement.
For players like Ong Xin Yee, having access to such role models within the national training system is invaluable.
“Watching Pearly-Thinaah win titles like the Thailand Open really pushes us to dream bigger,” said Xin Yee. “Their commitment, skills, and experience are exactly what young players like me need to learn from.”
Targeting the Top 32: A Stepping Stone to Olympic Qualification
Looking ahead, Ong Xin Yee and Carmen Ting aim to break into the top 32 of the world rankings by the end of the year. This milestone is not only a symbol of their growth but also a critical step toward securing Olympic qualification and access to more elite-level BWF tournaments.
“We’re not quite at the level of the top pairs yet, but we’re chasing them,” Xin Yee explained. “Each match, each tournament, is a step toward our dream.”
Staying Grounded While Chasing Greatness
Despite her lofty ambitions, Ong Xin Yee remains focused on the present. She understands that Olympic success doesn’t happen overnight and is committed to taking a step-by-step approach.
“Of course I dream of the Olympics, but I try not to stress too much about the future,” she said. “My goal is simple — to play the sport I love at the highest level.”
Training Environment: The Importance of BAM’s Senior Mentors
When asked whether she hopes Pearly and Thinaah will continue their journey with BAM to mentor the next generation of shuttlers, Xin Yee’s response was immediate:
“Absolutely! Having them around is so valuable for all of us. We get to observe their preparation, their attitude, and their commitment. That’s something you can’t learn from watching videos.”
The Road Ahead for Malaysian Women’s Doubles
The emergence of young talents like Ong Xin Yee signals a bright future for Malaysian badminton, especially in the women’s doubles category. With role models like Pearly-Thinaah, a structured national training environment, and a clear goal like the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, Xin Yee is on a promising trajectory.
“With discipline, consistency, and the right support, I believe we can achieve big things,” said the teenager.
From her strong performances in the BWF World Tour to her clear dedication to the sport, Ong Xin Yee is quickly establishing herself as a key player to watch in the coming years. Her Olympic dream is no longer just a fantasy — it’s a mission in motion.
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