The Maldivian women’s table tennis team displayed an outstanding performance at the ongoing Indian Ocean Island Games (IOIG) in Madagascar, solidifying their position as one of the powerhouses in the regional table tennis scene. They not only claimed the gold medal but also made history by becoming the first Maldivian team to defend an international title.
Comprising a roster of talented athletes, the women’s table tennis team included Fathimath Dheema Ali, Aminath Rafa Nazim, Fathimath Jumana Nimal, Laisa Fathullah Ismail, Mishka Mohamed Ibrahim, and Aminath Shiura Sharif.
The team secured the gold medal by winning all four matches they competed in. Their remarkable performance began with a convincing victory over Seychelles, followed by another dominant display against Reunion, both achieved by sweeping their opponents in three straight games.
In the opening match of the tournament, the Maldives faced Madagascar and emerged triumphant with a 3-1 victory. Continuing their winning streak, they outperformed Mauritius with a 3-1 scoreline in the league final.
Individually, the athletes of the Maldivian team showcased their remarkable skills and sportsmanship. Fathimath Dheema Ali, a standout player, secured two crucial victories during the competition. Aminath Rafa Nazim paved the way to the final match against Mauritius by winning her game with an 11-8, 12-10, 11-6 scoreline.
Dheema played a crucial role by securing a pivotal win in the gold medal match, highlighting her unwavering composure through her remarkable performance, where she clinched victory with a scoreline of 11-5, 11-4, 11-8.
This success was not an isolated event for the Maldivian women’s table tennis team. Their triumph in Madagascar signified their back-to-back gold medals at the IOIG, following their previous victory in the 2019 Games held in Mauritius.
