Male' Maldives: Revival Sports Club has officially returned to the international badminton stage as its High Performance team begins a three-nation African tour, marking their first appearance in BWF-sanctioned tournaments since the Maldives was placed under suspension.

Thanks to a temporary exemption granted by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), Revival Sports will compete in three consecutive international events, the Zambia International 2025 (13–16 November in Lusaka), the Botswana International 2025 (20–23 November in Otse), and the Aquasprings South Africa International 2025 (27–30 November in Cape Town).

The exemption marks the first time in nearly a year that Maldivian athletes have been cleared to return to BWF competition.

Representing the Maldives on this historic tour are six of Revival Sports’ top athletes: Nibal Ahmed, Zayan Zaki, Hassan Zayan Mohamed, Haisham Ibrahim Ali, Fathimath Nabaha (Naba), and Aminath Nabeeha (Naby). The players will compete across a wide range of categories, men’s and women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.

In Zambia and Botswana, Nibal, Zayan, Hassan, and Haisham will feature in the men’s singles and doubles events, while Naba and Naby will take part in women’s singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. In South Africa, Nibal, Zayan, and Hassan will continue competing in men’s categories, with Naba and Naby representing the Maldives in women’s and mixed doubles.

A Comeback from Suspension and Reset Rankings

Head Coach Nashfan Mohamed highlighted that this opportunity comes at a crucial time for the team’s development. With the national suspension halting tournament participation for months, Revival athletes suffered a drastic loss of world ranking points.

“We have lost our ranking places due to the period of suspension. Our ranking is back to zero,” Nashfan said. “To keep improving and progressing, we need to take part in back-to-back competitions. These tournaments in Africa will help us rebuild.”

Revival Sports had only one and a half months to prepare for the demanding tour.

“It’s not sufficient enough to fully prepare,” Nashfan admitted. “But given the circumstances, we must take the risk and compete. This is a must-take opportunity to achieve our targets.”

The club aims not only to reclaim former rankings but also to bring home gold medals, while providing new players like Hassan Zayan and Haisham valuable exposure at this elevated competitive level.

A Legacy of Historic Achievements in 2024

Revival Sports enters this African tour following a remarkable 2024 season, which saw the club achieve some of the greatest international badminton successes in Maldivian history.

At the Botswana International 2024, Revival players won a total of five medals, one gold, two silver, and two bronze, one of the most successful BWF campaigns ever by a Maldivian delegation.

In a historic all-Maldivian women’s singles final, Naba defeated her twin sister Naby to win the Maldives’ first-ever singles gold medal in a BWF tournament, while Naby earned silver, the first singles silver in the nation’s history. The pair later claimed a women’s doubles bronze, extending their combined tally to 12 international doubles medals.

In mixed doubles, Naba and Zayan added a silver medal, falling narrowly short in a 23–21, 21–18 final against Azerbaijan’s Agil Gabilov and Era Maftuha. The duo now holds five BWF medals together, including one gold, one silver, and three bronze.

In men’s doubles, Zayan and Nibal secured their first-ever BWF bronze, marking another milestone for the Revival team.

Earlier in 2024, at the Zambia International, Revival secured one gold and two bronze medals, including Naba and Naby’s victory in women’s doubles, Maldives’ first BWF gold since 2019, and two additional bronze medals won by Naba in singles and mixed doubles.

Maldives’ first BWF gold medals date back to 2019, when Zayan, Naba, and Naby delivered historic victories at the Pakistan International, signaling the beginning of a new era for Maldivian badminton.

Carrying a Nation’s Hopes

As Revival Sports embarks on its 2025 African mission, the team carries not only the ambition to reclaim global rankings but also the pride of a nation that has witnessed their rise as a powerhouse in Maldivian badminton.

This tour symbolizes more than competition, it represents perseverance, resurgence, and the continued revival of Maldivian badminton.

With renewed determination and international exposure, Revival Sports aims to inspire the next generation of athletes and continue elevating the Maldives on the global badminton stage.