Maldivian athlete Zaana Ali Shareef has secured a bronze medal in the highly competitive Level C Division FO3 – 200-metre event at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone for the Maldives, as it is only the second time the nation has participated in the prestigious Special Olympics.
Zaana’s exceptional performance on the track added to the growing medal tally for the Maldives in the games. With this latest triumph, the Maldives now boasts three well-deserved medals in the ongoing Special Olympics World Games.
Maldivian athletes have showcased commendable skills and spirit throughout the competition. Notably, athlete Hassan Sujoodh Nashid made an impressive run to the finals of the standing long jump event, while both Zaana and Aishath Laika Hassan displayed outstanding prowess by reaching the finals of the fiercely competitive 100-metre event. Laika’s exceptional performance extended to the 200-meter race, where she secured an impressive 5th place finish.
The participation of Special Olympics Maldives in the games has been noteworthy, especially considering that in the previous edition of the Special Olympics World Games held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in 2019, the country solely competed in athletics. However, this time around, they have expanded their reach and are vying for success in both athletics and badminton disciplines.
In badminton, Aishath Maniya Adam from the Maldives demonstrated exceptional skill and determination by triumphing over Aysheh Al Awwad from Jordan by 21-14.