Male' Maldives: Twelve-year-old Laiba Ahmed Mahloof and sixteen-year-old Ibrahim Nashith Hamdi have earned places in the National Senior Badminton Squad following outstanding performances in the first ever Nationwide Badminton Trials.
The National Badminton Trials concluded with over 50 athletes from across the Maldives, including competitors from Malé, Eydhafushi, Naifaru, and Addu, vying for a spot in the 16-member national squad.
Revival Sports Club showcased their dominance, claiming eight of the coveted places, further cementing their position as a powerhouse in Maldivian badminton.
The trials were held to determine the top eight male and eight female players for the national squad. Of these, the top six in each category will receive the national squad salary, while the remaining two will serve as reserves.
Laiba, a multiple medalist in junior competitions over the years, swept through all her group matches in the trials to earn her place in the National Team. Additionally, 13-year-old Yalvee from the National Pool secured a spot in the senior squad, marking a remarkable achievement.
Nashith, from Naifaru Academy and a recent addition to the Asian Youth Games squad, maintained his impressive form to reach new heights and earn a well-deserved place in the senior squad.
Meanwhile, 22-year-old Haisham, who was controversially left out of the 2023 National Team without a fair trial opportunity, made a strong comeback to the sport, showcasing his dedication and skill to reclaim a position in the national lineup.
Selected athletes will continue training with their respective clubs, whether on their home islands or abroad. Both men’s and women’s draws featured six seeded players, with rankings based solely on BWF standings. Group winners earned direct qualification to the top six, while the final two spots were awarded by the head coach for “best performance” during the matches.
The event drew over 30 male and more than 20 female participants, highlighting the sport’s growing popularity nationwide.
Selected National Squad Players
Men’s Squad:
Nibal Ahmed – Revival Sports
Hassan Zayan Mohamed – Revival Sports
Haisham Ibrahim Ali – Revival Sports
Adam Maheen Mohamed – Revival Sports
Ibrahim Nashith Hamdi – Badminton Academy of Naifaru
Zayan Zaki – Revival Sports
Women’s Squad:
Fathimath Nabaha Abdul Razzaq – Revival Sports
Aminath Nabeeha Abdul Razzaq – Revival Sports
Aishath Alisha Moosa – Revival Sports
Laiba Ahmed Mahloof – National Pool
Shuba Mohamed Shareef – National Pool
Yalvee Hussain Zuhury – National Pool
