Lusaka, Zambia — Revival Sports Club has marked a powerful return to international badminton by securing places in two finals at the Zambia International 2025, the opening tournament of their long-awaited three-nation African tour.

This marks the club’s and the Maldives’ first appearance in BWF-sanctioned competition since the national suspension, made possible after the Badminton World Federation (BWF) granted a temporary exemption allowing Maldivian athletes to re-enter the global circuit.

The High Performance squad, consisting of Nibal Ahmed, Zayan Zaki, Hassan Zayan Mohamed, Haisham Ibrahim Ali, Fathimath Nabaha (Naba) and Aminath Nabeeha (Naby), entered events across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, and delivered a strong team performance despite challenging draws.

In men’s singles, Haisham and Hassan exited in the qualifying rounds against India’s Sree Yashwanth A.S Sathish Kumar, while in the main draw, Nibal battled through a three-game contest before narrowly losing 18–21, 21–19, 14–21 to India’s Akshay Sai Jonnalagadda. Zayan also fought well but fell 19–21, 15–21 to India’s Aadithyan SD in the Round of 32. In women’s singles, Naby lost a tight three-game match to South African star Johanita Scholtz, while Naba produced a dominant opening-round win before being stopped in the Round of 16 by Egypt’s second seed Nour Ahmed Youssri.

Revival’s strongest outcomes came in the doubles categories. In men’s doubles, Hassan and Haisham were edged out in a thrilling three-game battle against Zimbabwe’s Paul Kopolo and Thabani Mathe, while Nibal and Zayan reached the Round of 16 before falling to India’s Anuj Kale and Ian Lopes. The breakthrough moments for the Maldivian team came through the women’s and mixed doubles events, where exceptional performances carried Revival into two championship finals.

In mixed doubles, Zayan and Naba showcased their experience and chemistry, defeating Uganda’s Fred Kirabo and Kruthum Nalumansi in straight games before overpowering Zambia’s Palash Pranjal Deshpande and Bupe Mabo in a commanding quarter-final win. They then produced a composed comeback in the semi-finals against Zambia’s Chongo Ezra Mulenga and Mary Chilambe, winning 19–21, 21–14, 21–15 to reach the final. This achievement marks their third BWF final together, following earlier final appearances at the 2019 Pakistan International and the 2024 Botswana International. They will face Egypt’s fourth-seeded pair Ezzat Kareem Mahmoud and Nour Ahmed Youssri in the final.

Meanwhile, Naba and Naby continued their rise as one of the most successful women’s doubles pairs in Maldivian badminton history. After cruising past Zambia’s Elizabeth Chipelme and Ngandwe Myambo 21–4, 21–3 in the quarter-finals, the twins advanced to the final—marking their fourth BWF women’s doubles final after appearances in Pakistan 2019, Botswana 2023, and Zambia 2024. They will face South Africa’s accomplished duo Amy Ackerman and Johanita Scholtz in the championship match.

Revival’s performance in Lusaka is a powerful statement after nearly a year away from BWF competition. Despite the challenges posed by the suspension, reduced preparation time, and lost ranking points, the team has re-entered the global stage with determination and impact. Their two final appearances in Zambia not only highlight the strength of Revival’s High Performance program but also reinforce the Maldives’ growing presence in international badminton as the team prepares for the next legs of their African tour in Botswana and South Africa.