Revival Sports star and Maldives national badminton player Haisham Ibrahim Ali received a red-carpet welcome from his home island of V. Keyodhoo after completing one of the most remarkable comeback stories in Maldivian badminton, winning his first-ever National Men’s Singles title at the 50th National Badminton Tournament.

A monumental gathering of island residents welcomed the newly crowned national champion, celebrating an achievement that represents not only a major personal milestone but also the culmination of years of dedication, setbacks and perseverance.

Haisham began his badminton journey at grassroots level in Keyodhoo before developing through the sport and eventually earning a scholarship from Revival Sports. His rise through the ranks had already produced a significant achievement in 2022, when he won the Atoll League Men’s Singles title.

However, his progress was interrupted when he stepped away from badminton for unforeseen reasons following what he described as an unfair opportunity to represent the Maldives National Badminton Squad ahead of the 2023 Indian Ocean Island Games (IOIG). Disappointed by the situation, Haisham left competitive badminton and returned home.

A Comeback Built from the Ground Up

After a break from the sport, Haisham returned to competitive badminton in mid-July last year, beginning a new chapter in his career. A call was never far away from Revival Sports reach for Haisham.

Rather than immediately returning to the highest level, he rebuilt his form from the ground up. He worked his way through the domestic ranks, secured important victories and gradually regained his position in the sport.

His efforts eventually earned him a place in the Maldives National Badminton Squad for the first time. After winning key selection round matches.

Just over a year after returning to competitive badminton, Haisham completed his comeback by claiming the National Men’s Singles title while representing Revival Sports at the 50th National Badminton Tournament.

His journey from stepping away from the sport to becoming national champion has made his achievement particularly significant, with his success offering an example of resilience and determination to aspiring athletes.

Haisham Overcomes Nibal in Thrilling National Final

Haisham’s route to the national title included a major semi-final victory over defending champion Hussein Zayan Shaheed Zaki, known as Zayan Zaki.

Haisham defeated the defending champion 15-6, 11-15, 15-4, securing his place in his first-ever Division 1 Men’s Singles final.

His opponent was fellow Revival Sports athlete and former National Champion Nibal Ahmed, who reached the final after defeating Hassan Zayan Mohamed 16-14, 15-10 in the other semi-final.

The all-Revival final delivered a closely contested three-game battle. Haisham claimed the opening game 17-15, moving within one game of the championship. Nibal responded strongly in the second game, winning 15-8 to level the match and force a deciding game.

With the national title at stake, Haisham maintained his composure and secured victory in the final game, winning 15-12 to claim his first National Men’s Singles championship.

The victory completed his extraordinary return to the top of Maldivian badminton and added a national title to the Atoll League crown he won in 2022.

National Champion and Men’s Doubles Silver Medallist

Haisham also reached the Men’s Doubles final, partnering with fellow Revival Sports player Mohamed Khalaf Imran.

The pair faced teammates Zayan Zaki and Nibal Ahmed in another all-Revival final. Zayan and Nibal secured the Men’s Doubles title after defeating Haisham and Khalaf 15-7, 15-7.

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

A Victory Shared with Keyodhoo

For the people of V. Keyodhoo, Haisham’s welcome represented a celebration of a homegrown athlete who began his journey at grassroots level and overcame major setbacks to reach the top of Maldivian badminton.

His progression, from learning the sport on his home island, earning a Revival Sports scholarship and winning the Atoll League title, to stepping away from competition and returning as a national champion, has become a powerful example of what persistence and commitment can achieve.

The red-carpet welcome from Keyodhoo residents marked a fitting celebration of Haisham’s achievement, recognising not only the title he won but also the difficult journey that made the victory possible.