Ahmed Affan
Laiba Ahmed Mahloof achieved remarkable success at the RSL Lithuanian International Festival, securing two bronze medals in both Doubles and Mixed Doubles categories. This event marks her eighth international medal of 2024 in the Badminton Europe Calendar Tournaments, solidifying her status as a rising star in Maldivian Sports.
Laiba showcased her resilience and skill throughout the tournament, but her journey in the Singles category came to an end in the quarterfinals. Competing against Ukraine’s top player, Emma, who went on to become the tournament’s runner-up, Laiba faced a tough match. The scores reflected the intensity of the contest, with Laiba losing 21-14, bouncing back to win 19-21, but ultimately succumbing in the final set 21-09.
In the Doubles semifinals, Laiba paired with her teammate but faced a strong challenge from the Lithuanian duo of Užomeckaitė and Agota. The match was tightly contested, ending in a close 2-1 defeat with scores of 21-19, 11-21, and 21-15. Laiba and her partner displayed great teamwork, but the Lithuanian pair’s experience shone through in the decisive moments.
In the Mixed Doubles semifinals, Laiba encountered another challenging matchup against a formidable pair from Lithuania and Ukraine. The match concluded with a straight-sets loss, as Laiba and her partner struggled to find their rhythm, with scores of 21-07 and 21-10.
Despite the setbacks in Singles and Doubles, Laiba’s bronze medal wins reflect her impressive talent and determination on the international stage. As she continues to compete in various tournaments across Europe.
