Revival Sports and Maldives national badminton players opened their campaign at the France International – FZ FORZA Future Series Nouvelle-Aquitaine 2026 with Nibal Ahmed leading the way after progressing through the men’s singles qualifying rounds, while the club remains well represented in the doubles events heading into another busy day of competition.

Nibal produced an impressive comeback in the men’s singles qualifying Round of 64, recovering from the loss of the opening game to defeat French player Ramdenee in three sets. After falling 10-21 in the first game, Nibal responded strongly to take the next two games 21-16 and 21-18, securing his place in the qualifying Round of 32.

His run ended in another closely contested encounter against Denmark’s N. Zhang. Nibal claimed the opening game 21-10 before Zhang edged the second game 22-20 and completed the comeback with a 21-18 victory in the deciding game.

The remaining Maldivian men’s singles players exited in the opening qualifying round. Mohamed Khalaf Imran was beaten by France’s L. Phan 21-11, 21-6, Hussein Zayan Shaheed Zaki (Zayan Zaki) lost to India’s Somasundara 21-13, 21-14, while Hassan Zayan Mohamed was defeated by Scotland’s third seed M. Waring 21-6, 21-11.

In the mixed doubles Round of 32, Nibal and Aminath Nabeeha Abdul Razzaq (Naby) were unable to progress after suffering a 21-15, 21-16 defeat to French pair L. Hubert and M. Beule.

Revival Sports will now shift its focus to today’s main draw fixtures, with Maldivian players competing across women’s singles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles.

In the women’s singles Round of 32, Fathimath Nabaha Abdul Razzaq (Naba) is scheduled to face Dutch player M. Duijndam, while Naby will take on Great Britain’s Aahna Bhatia.

The men’s doubles Round of 32 will see Nibal and Zayan Zaki face French duo Claerbout and Fourcade, while Khalaf and Hassan Zayan will meet British pair Chua YC and R. Clark.

Meanwhile, Revival Sports have already secured representation in the mixed doubles Round of 16 through top seeds Zayan Zaki and Naba, who received direct passage to the second round. Their opponents will be confirmed following the completion of the Round of 32 matches.

With several Maldivian players still in contention across the doubles events, Revival Sports will be aiming to continue their strong European campaign and add to the encouraging performances shown at the tournament so far.