Aminath Nabeeha (Naby) and Fathmath Nabaha (Naba)’s pair has advanced to the semifinal of the Bangladesh International Challenge in Bangladesh.

This is the first time in Maldives’ badminton history that Maldivian players will play in a semifinal of an International Challenge level tournament. Before this, Maldives had participated only in international tournaments such as the Future Series. Challenge tournaments are of a higher caliber compared to the Series tournaments.

Earlier today, Naby and Naba’s pair played in the quarterfinal match against Bangladesh’s Fatima Begum and Bristy Khatun. Naba and Naby won straight sets (21-15, 21-17) to win the match.

Naba and Naby’s pair will play their semifinal match on today’s evening against India’s Mehreen Riza and Arathi Sara Sunil.

Earning this spot in the semifinals mean that Naba and Naby are guaranteed a medal in the women’s doubles category. They have previously brought 9 medals to Maldives in the women’s doubles category. They are 1 gold medal, 4 silver medals, and 4 bronze medals.

Later today, Zayan Zaki and Naba’s pair will play in the mixed doubles quarter-final. They will play against India’s Nazeer Khan and Nila Valluvan.