Table tennis star Fathimath Dheema Ali and sprint runner Ibadullah Adam have been chosen to carry the Maldivian flag at the Paris 2024 Olympics, which commence on Sunday. 

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu officially entrusted the national flag to the athletes during a special ceremony at the Presidential Palace today. 

Sixteen-year-old Dheema, who has represented the Maldives in two international tournaments including the closing ceremony of the 2019 Indian Ocean Island Games (IOIG) and the opening ceremony of last year’s IOIG, is the first Maldivian athlete to qualify for the Olympics in table tennis through a qualifying stage.

This year's Olympics mark Ibadullah's debut at the event.

The sprint runner secured his spot in the Games by placing first in the rankings with 1003 points, the only athlete to exceed 1000 points.

The Maldives will participate in four sports at the Paris 2024 Olympics: table tennis, athletics, badminton, and swimming.

A total of five Maldivian athletes will compete, including Dheema Ali and Ibadullah Adam. Joining them are

- Fathimath Nabaha in badminton

- Aishath Ulya Shaaiq in swimming

- Mohamed Aan Hussain in swimming.

The Paris 2024 Olympics, running from July 26 to August 11, will be the largest sporting event for the Maldives, showcasing the nation's talents in a global arena.