Maldivian National Team and Revival Sports player, Zayan Zaki recorded an impressive start to his campaign at the Azerbaijan International Challenge 2026, securing a straight-games victory in the Men’s Singles qualifying rounds in Baku.

Representing Revival Sports and the Maldives National Badminton Team, Zayan defeated local player Fajar Karimli of Azerbaijan in the Men’s Singles qualifying Round of 64, winning 21–10, 21–14 to advance in the competition. With the victory, Zayan is set to face England’s Nadeem Dalvi in the qualifying Round of 32.

Azerbaijan International Challenge marks a historic milestone for Revival Sports, as the Maldives’ premier badminton club makes its first appearance at a Challenge-level tournament and its debut on the European badminton circuit. The club has entered athletes across all major categories in the tournament.

In Men’s Singles, Revival Sports is represented by Zayan Zaki and Nibal Ahmed, while Aminath Nabeeha (Naba) and Fathimath Nabaha (Naby) are competing in the Women’s Singles events. The Men’s Doubles category features the pairing of Zayan and Nibal, with Naba and Naby contesting the Women’s Doubles. Revival Sports has also fielded two Mixed Doubles pairs, Zayan and Naba, and Nibal and Naby.

In the Women’s Singles qualifying Round of 32, Fathimath Nabaha (Naba) is set to face Japan’s Shiori Ebihara, who is currently ranked 162 in the BWF World Rankings, in what promises to be a challenging encounter.

Meanwhile, Aminath Nabeeha (Naby) exited the Women’s Singles competition in the qualifying Round of 64 after a defeat to UAE’s Nourani Azzahra, who claimed the match 21–12, 21–6. Nibal Ahmed also bowed out in the Men’s Singles qualifying Round of 64, losing 21–10, 21–11 to Jamal Rahmat Pandi of the Philippines.

In the Men’s Doubles event, Zayan and Nibal were eliminated by the Czech Republic pair of Vojtěch Havlíček and Tomáš Švejda, who won the match 21–6, 21–14. The Mixed Doubles pairing of Nibal and Naby faced a tough challenge against Switzerland’s Nicolas Franconvile and Julie Franconvile, ranked 135 in the world, with the Swiss duo securing a 21–10, 21–14 victory.

Despite early exits in several categories, Zayan Zaki’s opening-round success highlights a positive start for Revival Sports at their maiden Challenge-level appearance, as the Maldivian club continues to gain valuable experience against strong international opposition on the European circuit.