Baku, Azerbaijan: Maldivian badminton player Zayan Zaki delivered a confident performance at the Azerbaijan International Challenge 2026, securing a crucial victory in the Men’s Singles qualifying rounds as Revival Sports continues its historic debut at Challenge-level competition on the European circuit.
Representing both Revival Sports and the Maldives National Badminton Team, Zayan overcame Azerbaijan’s Fajar Karimli in the Men’s Singles qualifying Round of 64, winning in straight games 21–10, 21–14. Displaying composure and control throughout the match, Zayan dictated the pace from the opening rally to book his place in the qualifying Round of 32, where he is set to face England’s Nadeem Dalvi.
The Azerbaijan International Challenge marks a significant milestone for Revival Sports, as the Maldives’ leading badminton club makes its first appearance at a Challenge-level BWF tournament and its first-ever outing on the European badminton circuit. The club has entered athletes across all five disciplines, underlining its commitment to long-term international development.
In the Men’s Singles, Revival Sports is represented by Zayan Zaki and Nibal Ahmed, while Aminath Nabeeha (Naba) and Fathimath Nabaha (Naby) are contesting the Women’s Singles events. The club has also fielded pairs in Men’s Doubles (Zayan / Nibal), Women’s Doubles (Naba / Naby), and Mixed Doubles (Zayan / Naba and Nibal / Naby).
Zayan’s victory stood out on a challenging opening day for the Maldivian contingent. In the Women’s Singles qualifying Round of 64, Fathimath Nabaha (Naby) was defeated by UAE’s Nourani Azzahra, who claimed the match 21–12, 21–6. Nibal Ahmed also exited the Men’s Singles qualifying Round of 64 after a 21–10, 21–11 loss to Jamal Rahmat Pandi of the Philippines.
In the doubles events, Revival Sports faced tough opposition. In Men’s Doubles, Zayan and Nibal were eliminated by the Czech Republic duo Vojtěch Havlíček and Tomáš Švejda, who secured a 21–6, 21–14 victory. In Mixed Doubles, Nibal and Naby were drawn against Switzerland’s Nicolas Franconvile and Julie Franconvile, currently ranked 135 in the BWF World Rankings, with the Swiss pair winning 21–10, 21–14.
Attention now turns to the Women’s Singles qualifying Round of 32, where Aminath Nabeeha (Naba) is set to face Japan’s Shiori Ebihara, ranked 162 in the world, in what is expected to be one of the toughest tests of the tournament for the Maldivian player.
Despite mixed results in the opening rounds, Revival Sports’ presence at the Azerbaijan International Challenge represents an important step forward for Maldivian badminton. Competing against higher-ranked and more experienced international opponents provides valuable exposure as the club continues its push to establish itself at Challenge-level tournaments and elevate Maldivian badminton on the global stage.
