Shaffan Retains National Men’s Singles Title as Dheema Reclaims Women’s Crown

MALE’, Maldives — Mohamed Shaffan Ismail successfully defended his National Men’s Singles title, while Fathimath Dheema Ali reclaimed the National Women’s Singles crown after defeating defending champion Aishath Rafa Nazim in a highly anticipated final at the 64th National Table Tennis Tournament 2026.

Shaffan once again proved his consistency at the national level, retaining the men’s singles title and adding another championship to his impressive record. His victory further establishes him as one of the leading figures in Maldivian table tennis.

In the women’s singles final, Dheema produced a determined performance to overcome Rafa, who had stunned the table tennis community by defeating Dheema in the 2025 national final. Rafa’s victory last year ended Dheema’s long-standing run of national titles, making this year’s final a highly anticipated rematch between two of the country’s strongest players.

Dheema’s victory marks her sixth National Women’s Singles title, restoring her position at the top of the national championship after Rafa’s breakthrough victory in 2025.

Dheema’s latest national title adds another chapter to an already remarkable career. She has been a leading figure in Maldivian table tennis from a young age and became the first Maldivian athlete to qualify for the Olympic Games.

With Shaffan retaining the men’s crown and Dheema reclaiming the women’s title, the 64th National Table Tennis Tournament has once again highlighted the strength, competitiveness and continued development of table tennis in the Maldives.