Skip links

Haisham’s return pays off with National Squad selection

Years ago, a 17-year-old from Vaavu Atoll, Haisham Ibrahim Ali, left his home and family behind to pursue his dream of becoming a professional badminton player.

He joined Revival Sports Club on scholarship, where he trained rigorously for four years, clinched the Atoll League title, and even pushed the defending national champion to the brink in a three-set thriller.

Haisham’s journey also took him overseas for the first time, competing in a junior tournament in Turkey, where he showed tremendous progress despite the new environment.

“Playing and practicing with Zayan, Naba, Naby, Nibal, Thoif, and Rishwan improved me constantly. I could feel it every time I stepped on court because I played better and better,” Haisham, now 22, told Revival Sports Media.

At the time, his ultimate goal was to represent the Maldives at the Indian Ocean Island Games (IOIG 2023) in Madagascar.

But despite his strong ranking and impressive form, Haisham was controversially denied the chance to even participate in the national selection trials by the Badminton Association of Maldives (BAM), a decision that left him heartbroken.

“My ranking was good, I was competing well, but I wasn’t given a fair chance that I desperately worked for. It’s not easy for someone who left home, left mom and dad, sacrificed a lot without a job, just to chase this sport—and then have it taken away from you,” Haisham said, recalling the painful moment.

Following that setback, Haisham stepped away from badminton altogether. For two years, he returned to his island life, dedicating his time to photography and underwater exploration.

But this month, fate gave him a second chance. When a national selection process was announced, Haisham made his comeback with determination and fire. He won all his group-stage matches, securing a well-deserved spot in the National Badminton Squad, a redemption story years in the making.

“I’ve always had a strong connection with my coach at Revival, Nashfan. He constantly checked in on me, called me, and encouraged me to come back. I kept delaying, but when this selection came, I knew this was the moment. I told coach, ‘I’m coming back, I’m going to grab what I deserve,’” Haisham said with joy.

Haisham now stands as a symbol of resilience and perseverance, not just for himself but for countless athletes who have faced setbacks and unfair treatment. He also stressed the importance of open and fair selection trials.

“A national selection gives every kid the hope and pathway to achieve their dream of wearing the national colors. That opportunity must always be protected,” he emphasized.

Haisham’s return marks not just a personal victory, but also a powerful reminder of the spirit of Maldivian athletes who continue to rise despite challenges.