Pearly Tan turned 26 on March 14, and her birthday post felt very different from what athletes usually share.

There were no photos of trophies and no old highlight moments. It was simply an honest message from someone who is still in the middle of her journey.

The Malaysian women’s doubles player posted on Instagram to mark her birthday, and what she wrote made many people stop and read. It felt real and personal, not like the usual celebratory posts.

"Still chasing dreams," Tan wrote. "Still learning. Still growing. And sometimes… still just a kid. Trying to live the dream I once imagined."

But even before most of those messages arrived, one name showed up first.

Former world No. 1 Goh Jin Wei did not write a long message or anything formal.

“Happy birthday, bro, and don't cincai call, ok,” Jin Wei wrote.

Her message felt really genuine and heartwarming. It sounded like something you would say to a close friend, which showed that the two players still keep in touch.

Badminton Fans Pour Out Love for Pearly Tan's 26th Birthday

After Jin Wei’s comment, many other fans started joining the conversation with their own birthday wishes.

“Happy 26th, Pearly Tan! Leveling up to another year of awesomeness and cuteness,” one fan wrote. Another fan commented, “26 looks good on you. Living the dream and inspiring so many along the way.”

Tan plays at the highest level in women’s doubles badminton, and every time she steps on the court, there is a lot of expectation on her. That is why her message about still learning and still growing felt very real to many fans.

“Happy birthday, dear Pearly. Keep healthy, cute, young, and inspiring all,” another follower wrote.

At 26 years old, she is still chasing her goals, and it's visible that many people are cheering and supporting her along the way.

Are you also celebrating Pearly's 26th? Tell us your birthday message for her in the comments.

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Written by

Sneha Abraham

Edited by

Kalp Thaker