M'sia Volleyball Association slams critics who body shamed its teen athletes after photos with Chinese opponents showed physical difference

The Malaysia Volleyball Association (MAVA) issued a statement to slam the negative comments made about the physique of its athletes.

This was after the Malaysian duo, Nur Azwa Qariesya Mohammad Noor Aizuddin and Rachael Goh, lost 0-2 to both China and Japan at the 2025 AVC Beach Tour Pingtan Open, held in China from May 8 to 11.

Photos of match

A post by MAVA on May 10 announced that the Malaysia team had lost their matches to both countries, which was accompanied by photos of a game, as well as posed photos of the Malaysia and China players side-by-side.

Commenters jump in

The post attracted numerous comments that targeted the Malaysian athletes, as they appeared smaller in stature compared to their Chinese counterparts.

Many of the commenters, who appeared to be fellow Malaysians, left snide remarks by asking if the match was between children and adults, and if the Malaysians were undernourished.

The photos and comments were reported by Malaysia media, such as China Press and Harian Metro.

Malaysian teen athletes

Qariesya, 15, and Goh, 17, are Malaysian youth athletes.

Harian Metro also reported that the Malaysian duo were in China to compete in the open category to be accorded points to qualify for upcoming under-18 and under-21 championships, as well as the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

According to another article by Harian Metro, the two Chinese opponents photographed are Olympic-level athletes.

Statement issued

In response to the body shaming remarks, MAVA issued a statement on May 14 slamming the media reports that highlighted the physical attributes of Qariesya and Goh.

The association said it "strongly condemns the unprofessional and irresponsible reporting by Harian Metro, China Press, and Oriental Daily", and was "deeply disappointed by the tone and nature of some of the comments made online".

"Personal attacks, body shaming, and inappropriate comparisons are not only unprofessional, but also show a lack of respect for the dedication and sacrifice made by our young athletes," it added, describing the Malaysian volleyball players as "minor and youth athletes".

MAVA's statement also highlighted the achievements of Malaysia youth national volleyball players.

Malaysia has successfully qualified for the Beach Volleyball World Championship for three consecutive years since 2022.

The statement also rebutted the observations of the diminutive stature of the Malaysian duo.

"MAVA has in place a comprehensive, long-term athlete development plan, which includes technical training, physical conditioning, nutritional guidance, sports science support, and exposure to high-level international competitions," MAVA said.

"These efforts are not always visible to the public, but they are crucial to the growth and development of our athletes," it added.

MAVA said it welcomed "constructive feedback and dialogue" aimed at strengthening Malaysian volleyball, and that "the focus must remain on sport, not appearance".

"We stand by our players and will not tolerate any form of abuse - online or offline - directed at them," MAVA said.

Top photos via Malaysia Volley Association