Maldives celebrated a historic moment in badminton as Fathimath Nabaaha Abdul Razzaq and Hussain Zayan Zaki brought home gold and silver medals from the Botswana International Badminton Series.
Nabaaha Wins Gold in Singles Final
Nabaaha claimed the gold medal in the women's singles category, defeating her twin sister, Aminath Nabeeha Abdul Razzaq, in a nail-biting final. Both sisters, representing Revival Sports, showcased their exceptional skills in a match that will go down in history as the first time two Maldivian athletes faced each other in a World Badminton Federation-recognized final.
The match ended with Nabaaha securing a 2-1 set victory:
- First set: 22-20 to Nabaaha
- Second set: 21-14 to Nabeeha
- Deciding set: 21-15 to Nabaaha
This win underscores Nabaaha’s growing dominance in the sport and highlights the exceptional talent emerging from the Maldives.
Mixed Doubles Silver for Zayan and Nabaaha
In the mixed doubles category, Hussain Zayan Zaki teamed up with Nabaaha to secure a silver medal. The pair faced Azerbaijan's Era Maftuha and Agil Gabilov in the final.
The closely contested match saw Zayan and Nabaaha put up a strong fight, with the first set ending 23-21 in favor of their opponents. Despite their efforts, the second set also went to the Azerbaijani pair, ending 21-18.
This marks another milestone for Maldivian badminton, as Zayan and Nabaaha’s performance further establishes the Maldives as a competitive force on the international stage.
A Proud Moment for Maldives
The achievements of these athletes not only bring glory to the Maldives but also inspire young players across the nation. The dedication and skill demonstrated by Nabaaha, Nabeeha, and Zayan highlight the growing potential of Maldivian badminton on the global platform.