IOIG 2019: table tennis sensation, 11-yo Dheema to wave Maldives flag at closing ceremony

11-year-old table tennis sensation, Fathmath Dheema will wave Maldives’ flag during the Indian Ocean Island Games (IOIG) 2019 closing ceremony.

This was announced during a medal party held on Saturday night, as Maldives celebrated winning 15 medals at this year’s games – which was the country’s target at IOIG 2019; five in table tennis and beach volleyball, three in athletics and two in badminton.

Sports Minister Ahmed Mahloof presented the flag to Dheema at the celebration.

While basketball star Ahmed Zabeer was the flag bearer at the opening ceremony on July 19, Dheema was given the honour after winning three gold medals at IOIG 2019.

In addition to Dheema, the women’s table tennis team made history at the tenth edition of the Indian Ocean Island Games, after winning Maldives’ first gold medal in a team event at a multi-sport international event.

The team’s saga continued as both Maldivian pairs traveled to the finals of the table tennis double’ event; Dheema and 15-year-old Aishath Rafa Nazim won against Mueena Mohamed and Fathmath Jumana Nimal.

In addition, Dheema also won the women’s single event, after playing against her teammate Rafa in the finals.

While Dheema did all this at the mere age of 11, Maldives Olympic Committee described her as “the most accomplished table tennis player Maldives has ever seen.”

She will also be the youngest athlete to wave the country’s flag at such an event.

Also on Saturday, it was confirmed that Maldives will be hosting the 11th edition of the Indian Ocean Island Games, in 2023.

During the IOIG council vote, Maldives won the gig with four votes while Comoros and Madagascar got one vote each.