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Rising women's doubles player Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan has caught public attention after flaunting her fluent Mandarin while speaking to reporters at the Malaysia Masters yesterday, 20 May
Speaking to China Press, she said her friends have even given her a Mandarin name, 安琪拉 (An Qi La).
Noraqilah said she picked up the language after joining the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM).
When she was asked how long she had been learning Mandarin, she said, "Probably around three years. After three years, I can now speak more smoothly and fluently."
The 19-year-old is currently paired with 15-year-old Low Zi Yu, and both speak a mix of Bahasa Melayu, Mandarin, and English on and off court.
"We communicate using a mix of languages. Sometimes we also speak Malay," she said.
Late last year, Noraqilah was paired with Loo Bing Kun in mixed doubles, and before that, with Loh Zi Heng. Speaking to reporters earlier this month, she said she remains interested in competing in both mixed and women's doubles.
Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan.
Image via Aswadi Alias/New Straits Times
Low Zi Yu (left) and Noraqilah Maisarah Ramdan celebrate after defeating Rin Iwanaga and Kim Nakanishi at the Uber Cup Finals in Horsens, Denmark, last month.
Image via Bernama via New Straits TimesThe Noraqilah–Zi Yu pair has been gaining recognition in recent months following a string of encouraging performances
The duo made headlines after upsetting Japan's world No. 7 pair Rin Iwanaga–Kie Nakanishi 21-17, 12-21, 21-19 in Malaysia's final Group B match at the Uber Cup Finals in Horsens, Denmark, last month.
Known for her reverse smash, the Melaka-born shuttler told New Straits Times that she frequently used the shot when she was younger but is gradually moving away from it after stepping up to the senior level.
In an interview with a badminton equipment store in February, Noraqilah said she studied at a Chinese vernacular primary school (SJKC) from Year 1 to Year 3 before continuing her studies at a national primary school (SK).
You can watch the interview here:
Meanwhile, catch Noraqilah's reverse smash during the match against Rin Iwanaga–Kie Nakanishi last month here:
