Maldives Pair Force Decider in Five-Game Women’s Doubles Contest
The Maldives women’s doubles pair of Aishath Rafaa Nazim and Fathimath Dheema Ali produced a determined comeback from two games down to force a deciding fifth game against Indonesia at the 20th Asian Games Aichi–Nagoya 2026.
Facing Indonesia’s Cindy Putri and Citra Rasmi, the Maldivian pair were involved in a closely contested opening game, which the Indonesians edged 14–12. Putri and Rasmi then extended their advantage by taking the second game 11–8.
Refusing to concede the match, Rafaa and Dheema responded with a composed performance in the third game, securing it 11–9 to begin their comeback. The pair maintained that momentum in the fourth, producing another strong finish to win by the same score and level the match at two games apiece.
With the contest reduced to a decisive fifth game, both pairs remained closely matched throughout. Indonesia eventually secured the final game 11–9 to conclude the match with a narrow 3–2 victory.
The Maldivian table tennis contingent has no fixtures scheduled for tomorrow.
