Malaysia got off to its Deaflympics 2025 campaign inTokyo 2025 Deaflympics with mixed fortunes as three national shuttlers took to the courts in the preliminary group stage encounters today.Â
R. Aravindakumar had to slog hard before celebrating a hard-earned victory in his men’s singles opener, but for compatriot Edmund Teo, a lapse in concentration and tactics cost him his opening match at the Keio Arena today.
Women’s singles player Trisya Rafaez, meanwhile, fell short despite spirited displays.
Aravindakumar, a bronze medallist in men’s doubles at the 2022 Brazil Deaflympics, clinched Malaysia’s first win at the courts after grinding out a dramatic three-game battle against Thailand’s Sombun Anuntawip.
The 54-minute intense matchsaw Aravindakumar coming from a game down to secure a determined 13-21, 21-12, 22-20 triumph.
The Thai shuttler took control early in the game, dictating pace and forcing the Malaysian into a series of errors in the first game. But Aravindakumar regrouped quickly with tactical adjustments made during the interval.
“I started quite fast but was disappointed with my first game,” he admitted. “Coach gave me some tactical tips, especially on controlling the tempo. In the second game I focused better, and in the decider I just kept fighting to overcome him,” he said.
Aravindakumar faces Taiwan’s Chung-I Chen in his last tie to decide on champion of Group G.
National head coach Sabrina Chong praised his adaptability:“Aravinda changed his game a lot today. He moved well, controlled the rallies, and played up to expectations. He has really improved his style and shown maturity.”
Edmund Teo Seng Keong, silver medallist in mixed doubles at Brazil 2022 and gold medallist at the SEA Deaf Games in Jakarta, on the other hand, endured a painful defeat after a late surge by Japan’s Nagaishi.
Edmund started strongly, taking the first game 21-16, but a lapse in concentration allowed the Japanese player to draw level with identical scores and forced a decider.
In the decider, Edmund looked firmly in control with, at one point, commanding leads of 12-6 and 19-14. However, a late surge from Nagaishi saw Edmund faltering under intense pressure, allowing the home shuttler to claw back 20-20 before finally sealing the match22-20 after 58 gruelling minutes.
“I thought that I could seal the tie, but unfortunately, my Japanese opponent had the experience to come out tops,” said a visibly frustrated Edmund. He will next face Denmark’s William Haurholm-Rasmussen and remains optimistic of bouncing back.
Coach Sabrina Chong expressed disappointment but stressed the positives: “It was really frustrating as Edmund was leading all the way. His speed and confidence have improved, but he rushed the final points. He was a bit nervous, and the more experienced opponent took advantage.”
In women’s singles, Malaysia’s Trisya Rafaez endured a challenging debut, losing her Group I match to Japan’s Kamata in straight games, 13-21, 13-21, in just 15 minutes. The young shuttler is expected to regroup for her next fixture.
