In a historic achievement, the Maldives Tennis Team recently participated in the ITF Asia Regional Qualifying event 14 & Under Development Championships in Vietnam from 8th to 17th January 2024. The team, comprising talented players Naba Nishan, Manha Mohamed Ali, Adam Aal Niyaz, and Mika Mohamed Kaleem, showcased exceptional skills and determination, leaving an indelible mark on the tournament.
Week 1 Highlights: The tournament witnessed fierce competition from countries like Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Myanmar, Mongolia, Brunei, and Bhutan. Naba Nishan emerged as a standout performer, winning both weeks and making history for the Maldives. In the Girls Singles Main Draw Quarterfinals, Naba Nishan faced off against Sandithi Usgoda Arachchi from Sri Lanka, securing a victory with a score of 7-5, 6-2.
Adam Aal Niyaz and Mika Mohamed Kaleem also displayed commendable performances in the Boys Singles Main Draw, securing victories in the 9th/16th place matches. However, the Boys Doubles Main Draw Semi-final proved challenging, as Mika Mohamed Kaleem and Adam Aal Niyaz faced a tough opponent, ultimately losing the match.
Manha Mohamed Ali, another rising star from the Maldives, showcased her skills in the Girls Singles, reaching the 9th/16th place with a convincing win against Naroth Ret from Laos.
The highlight of Week 1 was Naba Nishan’s remarkable victory in the Girls Singles Final, defeating Annaya Joanie Norbet of Sri Lanka with an impressive score of 6-1, 6-0.
Week 2 Highlights: In Week 2, The Boys Singles Main Draw Round of 16 witnessed strong performances from Adam Aal Niyaz and Mika Mohamed Kaleem, who secured victories against their opponents. In the Doubles Main Draw Quarter Final, Mika Mohamed Kaleem and Adam Aal Niyaz demonstrated teamwork, securing a win against their opponents.
Manha Mohamed Ali and Naba Nishan joined forces in the Girls Doubles Main Draw Quarterfinal, where they faced a challenging match but emerged victorious with a score of 6-0, 1-6, 13-11. However facing defeat in the doubles finals against Sri Lankans.
The Maldives girls team continued to shine, with Manha Mohamed Ali reaching the Girls Singles Final after defeating Ngoc Khanh Huynh of Vietnam in the semi-final with a score of 7-6, 6-3. Naba Nishan also secured her place in the Girls Singles Final, triumphing over Akeesha Hirundi Silva Diyunuge of Sri Lanka. The final being an all Maldivian final for the first time in history for an ITF event, where Naba Nishan shined to win the title for a second week.
In conclusion, the Maldives Tennis Team’s participation in the ITF Asia Regional Qualifying event was a historic moment for the nation. Naba Nishan’s exceptional performance, winning both weeks, marked a significant achievement for Maldivian tennis. Despite facing nations with more tennis history and experience, the Maldives team secured a remarkable 2nd place in the qualification, earning the right to compete in the main Asia region event in 2025 for the first time in history. The team’s journey reflects the dedication and talent of these young athletes, inspiring a new era for tennis in the Maldives.
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