Maldivian Athletes Make History at International Kickboxing Event in Sri Lanka
Danial Ahmed Zaki won a gold medal at kickboxing championship, Photo: Maldives Muay Thai Academy
Colombo, Sri Lanka — Maldivian combat sports reached a historic milestone on November 1 when two of Maldivian athletes captured gold medals at a prestigious international kickboxing event held at the Royal MAS Arena in Sri Lanka. Fight night 4 combat by jesh
Competing under professional K-1 kickboxing rules, Fathimath Nauma Naseer won gold in the 58 kg women’s division, while Danial Ahmed Zaki secured gold in the 57 kg men’s division. Their outstanding performances marked the first time in Maldives history that two athletes have won gold medals at a K-1 rules kickboxing championship held outside the country.
Zaii at kickboxing championship, Photo: Maldives Muay Thai Academy
This achievement highlights the rapid growth and rising standards of Maldivian combat sports on the international stage. Both athletes displayed exceptional technical skill, discipline, and resilience against experienced international opponents.
Fathimath Nauma Naseer’s victory holds special significance, as she is also a World Boxing Council (WBC) Sri Lanka Muay Thai Amateur gold medalist in the 57 kg division. She stands as the first Maldivian female athlete to achieve such prestigious international success in combat sports, setting a landmark for women’s participation and representation in the sport.
Nauma Naseer at kickboxing championship, Photo: Maldives Muay Thai Academy
Officials and supporters praised the athletes for their dedication and commitment, noting that their success reflects years of disciplined training, strong coaching, and the growing opportunities available for Maldivian fighters to compete internationally.
Both athletes were trained by Coach Shan at the Maldives Muay Thai Academy, whose guidance and leadership played a key role in this historic double-gold achievement. The victory is being celebrated as a defining moment for Maldivian kickboxing and combat sports, inspiring a new generation of athletes to pursue excellence beyond national borders.