Haisham Ibrahim Ali has completed one of the most remarkable comeback stories in Maldivian badminton, claiming his first-ever National Men’s Singles title at the 50th National Badminton Tournament.

Haisham’s journey to the national crown has been one of resilience, determination and perseverance. After what he felt was an unfair opportunity to represent the Maldives National Badminton Squad ahead of the 2023 Indian Ocean Island Games (IOIG), Haisham stepped away from the sport and returned home.

However, after taking a break from competitive badminton, he made his return in mid-July last year.

Rather than simply returning to competition, Haisham began rebuilding his career from the ground up. He worked his way back through the ranks, won matches and eventually earned his place in the Maldives National Badminton Squad for the first time.

Just over a year after returning to competitive badminton, Haisham has now completed the biggest chapter of his comeback. Competing for Revival Sports at the 50th National Badminton Tournament, Haisham was crowned National Badminton Champion.

Haisham Overcomes Nibal in Thrilling Final

Haisham’s path to the title included a major semi-final victory over defending champion Zayan Zaki, whom he defeated 15-6, 11-15, 15-4. The victory earned Haisham his first-ever Division 1 Men’s Singles final, where he faced fellow Revival Sports athlete and former National Champion Nibal Ahmed.

Nibal had booked his place in the final after defeating Hassan Zayan Mohamed 16-14, 15-10 in the other semi-final. The all-Revival final produced a fiercely contested three-game battle. Haisham took the opening game 17-15, putting himself one game away from the national title. Nibal responded strongly in the second, winning 15-8 to level the contest and force a deciding game.

With the championship on the line, Haisham held his nerve and produced the decisive performance, winning the third game 15-12. The victory secured Haisham’s first National Men’s Singles title and completed his extraordinary return to the top of Maldivian badminton.

Haisham also reached the Men’s Doubles final, partnering Mohamed Khalaf Imran. The Revival Sports pair faced fellow Revival teammates Zayan Zaki and Nibal Ahmed in another all-Revival final. Zayan Zaki and Nibal ultimately claimed the Men’s Doubles title after defeating Haisham and Khalaf 15-7, 15-7.

Despite the defeat, Haisham finished the tournament with a national singles championship and a silver medal in Men’s Doubles.

Haisham’s achievement carries significance beyond the title itself. In 2022, he won the Atoll League Men’s Singles title, demonstrating his ability at the regional level. But the years that followed brought a major setback, with Haisham stepping away from badminton after missing out on the opportunity to represent the National Squad ahead of IOIG 2023.

His decision to return last year began a new chapter. He returned to competition, rebuilt his form, progressed through the domestic ranks and eventually earned his first National Squad selection. Now, just over a year after returning to competitive badminton, he has gone from stepping away from the sport to becoming National Men’s Singles Champion.

For Haisham, the journey from disappointment and absence to the top of the national podium stands as a powerful example of what persistence and determination can achieve.