In Malaysia, female athletes are really making waves lately. We’ve got everything from e-sports stars to legends like Farah Ann, Nicol David, and Pandalela Rinong who are inspiring the next generation. With the Paris 2024 Olympics coming up, a new group of Malaysian women is ready to steal the show. Each one has an amazing story and is not just going for medals but also pushing new boundaries and making us proud. Let’s look at who they are and get to know them better.

Image via KBS Malaysia

Nurul Azreena Mohamad Fazil

Nurul Azreena Mohamad Fazil’s journey into archery began in 2015, and she quickly rose to prominence. Now, she is part of the first-ever female archery team representing Malaysia at the Paris 2024 Olympics, inspiring countless young athletes and proving that dreams are achievable with determination and passion. Her participation in the World Cup, where she ranked 70th in 2024, is a testament to her skill and dedication. Nurul Azreena represents a new era for Malaysian women in archery, breaking traditional barriers and paving the way for future athletes in this sport.

Syaqiera Mashayikh

Image via Syaqiera Mashayikh Facebook

Syaqiera Mashayikh, alongside Nurul Azreena, made history by leading the first Malaysian female team archers ever. She is competing for Women’s Team Recurve and Women’s Recurve Individual. Syaqiera’s interest in archery was sparked by movies like “Brave” and “The Hunger Games,” showing the significant impact of media and family support. Placing 33rd in the individual competition at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Syaqiera equaled the best result for a Malaysian female archer since 2012. She also won bronze and silver medals at the SEA Games 2021. Her journey shows us how dedication and inspiration can lead to remarkable achievements for Malaysian female athletes.

Nurul Izzah Mohd Asri

Nurul Izzah Izzati has made history as the first Malaysian woman to compete in both keirin and sprint at a single Olympics at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her gold medal in the women’s 500m time trial at the Asian Championships in 2022 marked a significant milestone in Malaysian cycling. Undoubtedly, Nurul Izzah’s powerful sprints and resilience make her a symbol of pioneering excellence and inspiration for aspiring our female cyclists in Malaysia.

Pearly Tan & Muralitharan Thinaah

Image via KBS Malaysia

Pearly Tan and Muralitharan Thinaah are set to make their Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics in Women’s Doubles and Individual Stroke Play. This dynamic duo has already made a name for themselves in the badminton world, bringing international recognition to Malaysian badminton. Their standout victories include the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the French Open, where they showcased their strategic play and adaptability.

Tan’s Guinness World Record for the fastest smash by a female player highlights her exceptional skill, while Thinaah’s impressive performances, including reaching the quarter-finals at the 2023 World Championships and multiple BWF World Tour wins, highlight their high level of play. Their journey, starting with a win at the 2019 Malaysian International, reflects the power of teamwork and the vibrant, multicultural spirit of Malaysia.

Nur Aisyah Mohamad Zubir

Image via Nur Aisyah Facebook

Competing for the Women’s Road Race, Nur Aisyah Mohamad Zubir has made history as the first Malaysian woman to represent the country in road cycling at the Olympics. Known for her sprinting prowess and dedication to the sport, Nur Aisyah is a role model for aspiring female cyclists in Malaysia. Her journey reflects the growing prominence of Malaysian women in competitive cycling and their potential to achieve great heights on the world stage.

Toh Wei Ee

Toh Ee Wei, competing in mixed doubles badminton with Chen Tang Jie, is making her Olympic debut in Paris. The pair have achieved notable victories, including wins at the 2023 Taipei and Orleans tournaments and runner-up finishes in Basel and Bangkok. Despite a diagnosis of bone tuberculosis in 2022, Wei Ee’s determination bounced back stronger. Ee Toh entered the BWF world rankings top 10 in September 2023. Her journey from playing at home in Malacca to competing on the world stage is a testament to her unwavering spirit.

Nur Shazrin Mohamad Latif

Image via KBS Malaysia

Nur Shazrin Mohamad Latif, also known as Shazrin, is a trailblazer in Malaysian sailing. Shazrin won gold at the 2022 Asian Games and is competing in her third Olympics in Paris. Encouraged by her mother to take up the sport, she became the first female sailor to represent Malaysia at the Olympics in Rio 2016. Despite challenges like a pinched ligament nerve, her philosophy, “Nothing is more powerful than your conviction to achieve what your heart truly desires,” has guided her success.

Ashley Lau Jen Wen

Image via Olympic Council Malaysia

Ashley Lau Jen Wen is making her Olympic debut in Paris, competing in Women’s Individual Stroke Play. A University of Michigan graduate, Ashley Lau won the Women’s Victorian Open in February 2024. Her exceptional talent led her to proudly represent Malaysia at both the 2017 Southeast Asian Games and the 2018 Asian Games, showcasing her dedication and passion for her sport on a global stage. Her journey in golf, coupled with her love for her seven dogs, showcases her talent and determination.

Nur Dhabitah Sabri

Familiar to the game, Nur Dhabitah Sabri will be competing in the Women’s Synchronised 3m Springboard Preliminary. At just 25 years old, she is a renowned Malaysian diver. She made her Olympic debut at Rio 2016 and won a bronze medal at the 2022 World Championships in the Women’s Synchronized 10m Platform event. In the same year, she became the first female Malaysian diver to win a medal in the 3m Springboard event at the Commonwealth Games, earning silver. Dhabitah is a five-time Asian Games medalist (two silver, three bronze) and a six-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist. Her skill and resilience inspire younger Malaysian divers to commit to excellence.

These athletes aren’t just chasing medals; they’re breaking new ground and raising the bar for Malaysian women in sports. Their journeys of hard work and triumph are truly inspiring for the next generation. Let’s rally behind them and show our support as they gear up to shine on the global stage.