The Maldivian athletes have returned after the conclusion of the 2019 Indian Ocean Island Games.
The team landed at Velana International Airport on Monday afternoon and was welcomed by a huge crowd upon arrival in Male’.
After arriving in the capital city, the team was greeted by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed at the Republic Square.
At the 2019 Indian Ocean Island Games held in Mauritius, Maldives achieved its target of 15 medals by winning five in table tennis and beach volleyball, three in athletics and two in badminton.
11-year-old Fathimath Dheema won three gold medals and also received the honour of waving the country’s flag at the IOIG closing ceremony.
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.
Nabeeha Abdul Razzaq also made national history by winning Maldives’ first ever gold medal in badminton at an international event.
Maldives has also won its bid to host the 2023 Indian Ocean Island Games.
