The future of Malaysian badminton is burning bright, and its latest spark comes in the form of two remarkable young shuttlers — Lai Zi Yu and Noraqilah Binti Mohd Nor. The dynamic duo have captivated fans and pundits alike with their stunning performance at the BWF World Junior Championships 2025, blazing their way into the girls’ doubles final with style, composure, and a maturity beyond their years.
Their journey to the final has been nothing short of extraordinary — a tale of grit, chemistry, and unwavering belief. As Malaysia celebrates another chapter of emerging badminton excellence, Zi Yu and Noraqilah are proving that the next generation of women’s doubles is ready to take on the world.
A Rising Malaysian Force
Malaysia has always been a powerhouse in badminton, producing world-class talent in almost every discipline. But in recent years, the women’s doubles category has been searching for its next breakthrough pairing — a duo capable of bringing back the kind of dominance once displayed by the legendary Wong Pei Tty-Chin Eei Hui combination.
Enter Zi Yu and Noraqilah, two young women from contrasting backgrounds but united by one dream — to make Malaysia proud on the world stage.
Zi Yu, 18, hails from Johor and is known for her powerful smashes and lightning-quick reflexes. Her partner, 17-year-old Noraqilah from Kedah, complements her perfectly with her strategic net play and calm decision-making under pressure. Together, they form a balanced and fearless pairing — one that has caught the attention of coaches, fans, and opponents alike.
Their chemistry on court is undeniable. Whether it’s in the synchronized movement across the court or the unspoken understanding during tight rallies, the pair exhibit a sense of harmony that seems to come naturally.
“From the first time we were paired, I felt we could do something special,” said Zi Yu after their semifinal win. “We trust each other completely — that’s our biggest strength.”
The Journey to the Final A Trail of Upsets and Triumphs
The path to the world junior final was far from easy. Seeded sixth in the tournament, Zi Yu and Noraqilah were not initially expected to go all the way. The early favorites included pairs from China, Japan, and South Korea — nations known for their strong doubles foundations.
Yet, round by round, the Malaysian duo defied expectations.
Their first major test came in the quarterfinals, when they faced the top-seeded Chinese pair of Liang Meixuan and Chen Xuefei, who were unbeaten in junior competition for nearly a year. Many predicted a straight-game victory for the Chinese, but Zi Yu and Noraqilah had other plans.
The Malaysians stunned the crowd with their aggressive start, taking the first game 21-17 through relentless attacking play. When the Chinese pair fought back to take the second 22-20, the match seemed poised for a predictable turnaround. But in the deciding game, Zi Yu and Noraqilah displayed remarkable composure, maintaining their attacking rhythm and sealing the victory 21-18.
Their semifinal encounter was another thrilling affair — this time against the Japanese duo of Ayaka Tomita and Mizuki Nagano. Known for their defensive resilience, the Japanese pair pushed the Malaysians into long rallies, but Zi Yu’s explosive smashes repeatedly broke through their defense. With Noraqilah controlling the net, Malaysia prevailed 21-16, 21-19, booking a historic spot in the final.
“It wasn’t easy,” said Noraqilah after the semifinal triumph. “The Japanese pair made us work for every point, but we kept our focus. We told ourselves — play with heart, and the result will follow.”
Their victory sent shockwaves through the badminton community and marked Malaysia’s first appearance in the World Juniors girls’ doubles final in over a decade.
A Partnership Forged Through Perseverance
Behind every success story lies years of dedication and sacrifice — and for Zi Yu and Noraqilah, that journey began long before the world stage.
The two met three years ago at a national junior training camp organized by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM). At the time, both were singles players struggling to make an impact. Their coaches noticed something special when they were paired for a doubles drill — a rare balance of aggression and control.
“From the first session, they just clicked,” recalled coach Lim Siew Cheng, who has overseen their development since 2022. “Zi Yu’s power and Nora’s touch at the net complemented each other perfectly. We decided to give them a few local tournaments, and the results spoke for themselves.”
The pair quickly rose through the ranks, winning multiple junior titles in the ASEAN circuit and later in Europe’s junior series, including a memorable victory at the German Junior Open 2024.
But their journey was far from smooth. Injuries, fatigue, and the constant grind of travel tested their mental strength. At one point, Noraqilah suffered a knee injury that sidelined her for four months, forcing Zi Yu to train with other partners temporarily.
“When I was injured, I thought maybe our partnership would end,” said Noraqilah. “But Zi Yu never gave up on me. She sent me messages every week, reminding me that we’d be back stronger.”
True to her word, they returned — hungrier and more united than ever.
Tactical Brilliance What Makes Them Special
Modern badminton, especially in doubles, is as much about strategy as it is about speed and stamina. Zi Yu and Noraqilah’s rise can be attributed not only to their athleticism but also to their tactical intelligence.
Their coach, Lim Siew Cheng, describes their style as a blend of controlled aggression.
“Zi Yu is our hammer — she provides the firepower,” Lim explained. “But Noraqilah is the brain. She sets up the rallies, reads opponents’ patterns, and knows exactly when to shift the tempo.”
Their ability to switch between attack and defense seamlessly has made them unpredictable. Zi Yu’s steep smashes and cross-court drops often force opponents out of position, while Noraqilah’s deft net interceptions create opportunities to finish points early.
What sets them apart, however, is their communication. Unlike many young pairs who often falter under pressure, Zi Yu and Noraqilah rarely argue or show frustration. They maintain eye contact after every rally — whether they win or lose a point — reinforcing their mutual trust.
“We talk all the time during matches,” said Zi Yu. “Even if it’s just one word — ‘focus’, ‘calm’, or ‘now’. It keeps us connected.”
The Influence of Malaysia’s Badminton Heritage
Growing up in a country where badminton is almost a religion, both players cite Malaysia’s rich badminton legacy as their biggest source of motivation.
Zi Yu idolizes Datuk Lee Chong Wei, while Noraqilah draws inspiration from Chin Eei Hui and Wong Pei Tty.
“When I watched Lee Chong Wei fight for every point, even when he was down, I told myself — that’s how I want to play,” said Zi Yu.
Their performances at the World Juniors have sparked comparisons to Malaysia’s golden era, where players combined flair with determination. Fans have already begun calling them “The New Malaysian Diamonds” — a symbol of hope for women’s badminton.
BAM President Tan Sri Norza Zakaria, in a congratulatory statement, praised the pair for their discipline and fighting spirit.
“Zi Yu and Noraqilah represent the future of Malaysian badminton. Their teamwork, humility, and courage reflect the values we want our young players to uphold,” Norza said.
Off the Court Friendship and Balance
Behind the serious demeanor on court, Zi Yu and Noraqilah share a close friendship that goes beyond badminton. They room together during tournaments, study together when schedules allow, and even share a love for Korean dramas and spicy noodles.
“We argue sometimes,” laughed Noraqilah. “Usually about who gets the window seat on the plane. But when we step on court, everything else disappears. We play as one.”
Their camaraderie, according to their coaches, is one of the keys to their success. In doubles, trust is everything — and their friendship provides the foundation for that trust.
“They support each other through everything,” coach Lim noted. “When one struggles, the other lifts her up. That’s rare in junior pairs.”
Even during their toughest moments in matches, their mutual encouragement shines through. When Zi Yu misses a smash or Noraqilah misreads a shot, they exchange a quick thumbs-up — a small gesture that says, “We’ve got this.”
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