[1] She was considered Singapore's top badminton player in the 1990s[2] and represented the country in the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics.

While studying at Outram Institute, she competed in the national championships.

She subsequently quit her pre-university studies to become a full-time badminton player.

[3] Zarinah participated in the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics in the women's singles event.

[5][6] Zarinah received the 1993 and 1994 Meritorious Award from the Singapore National Olympic Committee.