The President of Maldives Olympics Committee (MOC) Mohamed Abdul Sattar has hailed the historic achievements of the table tennis star player, Fathimath Dheema Ali. He remarked that the opportunity of securing placement for the Olympic Games was a significant wild card and a transformative event, in the history of the Maldives,
Speaking at the special ceremony which was held to honour the groundbreaking triumph of Dheema, Sattar stated that qualifying for the Olympics was previously thought to be impossible for a Maldivian athletes. He rejoiced her accomplishment, stating that her extraordinary performance and exemplary skills proved otherwise.
Furthermore, Sattar revealed his ambitious vision for Maldivian athletes to emerge victorious in the Olympic Games, noting that efforts should be exerted to develop and enhance sports in the nation to a higher level. He additionally revealed that this year marked the first year in history in which Maldives participated in numerous sports in the Olympics.
While Dheema successfully qualified for the Olympic Games, previously Maldivian athletes competed in the games in invitational (tripartite) opportunities provided. As such, Maldivian athletes have been actively participating and competing in athletics, badminton and swimming since 1988.