"This is for you': Thinaah dedicates Asian Games bronze to late grandma

KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysian women's doubles shuttler M. Thinaah dedicated her bronze medal from the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games to her late grandmother and deceased pet rabbit in a heartfelt social media post. The 21-year-old athlete shared her emotional journey following the sudden deaths of her grandmother and bunny just before competing in Japan.

Thinaah revealed that her grandmother passed away on August 21, shortly after the World Championships in New Delhi, and that she had flown back home to bid a final farewell. Three weeks later, her beloved pet rabbit also died peacefully. The world No. 5 shuttler expressed her gratitude for her coaches and partner Pearly Tan, who provided unwavering support during her darkest moments.

Despite the personal tragedies, Thinaah and her partner bounced back to claim Malaysia's sole medal at the Asian Games, defeating South Korea's Baek Ha Na-Lee So Hee and China's Liu Sheng Shu-Tan Ning in the bronze medal match. Thinaah emphasized that this victory was dedicated to her grandmother and rabbit, acknowledging their guidance and support throughout her life.