Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Maldives, Matrek Al Dosari has commended Dheema on her outstanding success of becoming the first Maldivian athlete to qualify for the Olympics. The Ambassy has ensured to offer all support required to advance the sport in Maldives.
Saudi Arabian Ambassador to the Maldives, Matrek Al Dosari has commended table tennis star, Dheema Ali who claimed the honor of becoming the first Maldivian athlete to qualify for the Olympics.
In addition to Dheema who was congratulated by the Ambassador at the ceremony held at the Saudi Arabian Ambassy on Sunday, President of the Table Tennis Association of Maldives (TTAM), Ali Rasheed and Dheema's mother had also attended the ceremony.
TTAM stated that the Ambassador, Al-Ajalin had resolved to offer all support required to progress the country's table tennis, alongside support for Dheema.
"He spoke about scholarship opportunities at Saudi in the sports field inclusive of education. He said that should Dheema desire it, these opportunities will be arranged," shared the President of TTAM.
Noting that Saudi Arabia is a significant collaborator to Maldives' table tennis industry, Ali said that developmental programs for table tennis students in Addu and Fuvahmulah City is also ongoing with their aid.
The 15 year old table tennis star had won the qualifiers held in Nepal in May after competing against Sri Lankan champion Bimandi Bandara with a score of 3-1.
With this victory, the 15 year old table tennis star has become the first athlete in the country to secure a spot in the Olympics after successfully winning a qualifying stage, also becoming the first table tennis player to represent Maldives at the Olympic Games.
The Olympics Games, hosted in Paris will be held from July 26 to the end of August. Three Maldivian athletes are set to compete in the Olympics. In addition to Dheema, this includes Mohamed Ajufaan Rasheed and Fathimath Nabaha Abdul Razzaq who were granted the opportunity based on their scores despite not winning the qualifier.