President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated the accomplishments of the national women’s table tennis team at the 5th Islamic Solidarity Games 2021 are a source of fame and pride for the nation. He made the remarks at a meeting with the national table tennis team upon their return after representing the country at the Islamic Solidarity Games. The women’s team won bronze in the team event at the games held in Konya, Turkey, from August 9-18.
Speaking at the meeting, President Solih said that accomplishments in international competitions are a source of fame and pride for the nation and pave the way for more Maldivian athletes to compete at the international level. The president highlighted that the women’s team had won bronze after competing with teams from 57 countries. He said the accomplishments resulted from the hard work and time of many, including their parents. He noted previous achievements for the country in the regional arena and expressed his confidence in the athletes and teams to bring home even more outstanding achievements internationally.
Furthermore, President Solih reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to developing sports and providing more opportunities for athletes. He said that the administration would do more to support athletes excelling in different sports areas. He also spoke about initiatives to provide more opportunities for talented young athletes outside the Greater Male’ Region to develop their talent and compete in tournaments.
A ceremony was held to welcome the returning national table tennis team with Vice President Faisal Naseem, Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi, and Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Ahmed Mahloof in attendance.
At the ceremony, Minister Mahloof acknowledged the hard work and determination of the athletes and ensured that the government will continue to support the development of table tennis as a sport in the Maldives. He highlighted the table tennis team had first shown its talent at the Indian Ocean Island Games (IOG).
Also at the ceremony, Vice President of Table Tennis Association of Maldives (TTAM) Ibrahim Shiuree said the accomplishment at the Islamic Solidarity Games was a result of the hard work of many individuals and that the sport of table tennis needs to be expanded to the atolls.
The national women’s table tennis team has so far won medals at three team events at three sports events, which include the gold medals won at the Islamic Solidarity Games 2021, the gold medal at IOG 2019 as well as the bronze medal won at the South Asian Games in that same year.