Thinaah to celebrate Deepavali with family this year

KUALA LUMPUR: National women's badminton doubles player M Thinaah will finally get to celebrate Deepavali with her family this year, her first time in seven long years.

Describing it as a golden opportunity, the 26-year-old said she would be celebrating with her family in Klang, Selangor after having to be far away from them during this festive season for several years as she was focusing on international competitions.

"It's special (Deepavali) for me this year, as the date fits (without having any tournaments). Usually I would celebrate Deepavali not on the exact date but either before or after.

"So this year I'm near Kuala Lumpur and get to go home and celebrate it. I really appreciate (it) and (am) grateful," she said in an audio recording shared by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) recently.

Thinaah also recalled memories of past Deepavali celebrations, including in 2022 when she celebrated it abroad as she was competing in the French Open. She shared that she marked the ocassion with friends by having a meal together wearing new clothes in France.

She said that the sacrifice was worth it as she won the French Open that year, becoming the first ever Malaysian women's doubles pair to win the title.

"That time there were friends who helped celebrate (Deepavali) in France, like having a meal with me and also brought some new clothes.

"Once we won the French Open it was kinda a different feeling. I know I sacrificed Deepavali but it's all worth it," she added.

Hindu devotees in Malaysia will celebrate Deepavali on Oct 31 this year.

-- BERNAMA