The Maldivian badminton duo of Fathimath Nabaaha Abdul Razzaq and Aminath Nabeeha Abdul Razzaq secured the gold medal in the women’s doubles category at the Indian Ocean Island Games in Madagascar on Saturday. The sisters defeated the Mauritian pair Lorna Bodha and Kobita Dookhi in a thrilling showdown that saw them triumph in two straight sets 15-21, 14-21.
In the women’s singles final, Nabaaha faced off against Mauritius’ Kate Luddick. Despite her valiant effort, Nabaaha lost the game with a score of 21-13, 21-19, and had to settle for the silver medal.
On the other hand, her sister, Nabeeha, competed in the singles category and secured a bronze medal. In a fiercely contested semi-final match against Kate Ludik, Nabeeha emerged victorious in the first set with a score of 21-13. However, Ludik mounted a strong comeback and won the next two sets with scores of 21-14 and 21-1, securing her place in the final. Despite the loss, Nabeeha came away with the bronze medal in the singles category.
In the men’s singles category, Nibal Ahmed represented the Maldives and put up a commendable fight. In the semifinals, Nibal faced off against the top seed, Julien Paul of Mauritius. Although he displayed determination and skill, Nibal ultimately lost to Paul, who secured his spot in the final with a score of 21-13, 21-8. Nibal clinched the bronze medal in this highly competitive category.
The Maldives also won the bronze medal in the mixed doubles category. Zayan and Nabaaha lost to Kate and Julien of Mauritius 18-21, 16-21 in the semifinals.
Overall, the Maldivian contingent at the 2023 IOIG has amassed an impressive medal haul in badminton. Alongside the historic gold medal in women’s doubles, the country secured three silver medals in various team events and three bronze medals in singles categories.
