Male, Maldives, October 20, 2024: Table tennis players Fathimath Dheema Ali and Mohamed Shaffan Ismail were named the best athletes of the year at the Maldives Sports Awards in Male last Thursday, October 17.
Fathimath Dheema Ali, 17, is the first Maldivian to qualify for the Olympics. Both Fathimath and Shaffan played significant roles in Maldives’ success at the Indian Ocean Island Games last year.
Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu presented the prestigious honours at the Awards Gala organised by the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation.
The Maldives Olympic Committee paid tribute to all winners and nominees and posted on social media: “Your dedication and achievements continue to inspire us all.”
At the end of the night, President Muizzu posed for a group photo with the two most honoured awardees.
The Maldives Handball Association won the Best Sports Association award.