Laiba wins three gold medals in Armenia

Young Maldivian badminton player Laiba Ahmed Mahloof (Elly) has won three gold medals at the Armenian Youth Open 2025.

In the tournament that started Friday in Yerevan, Armenia, Laiba won in the women's singles, doubles, and mixed doubles event.

This is the first time Laiba won gold on the international stage. In last year's tournament in Armenia, Laiba won a silver medal in the doubles event and a bronze medal in the mixed doubles.

This is the third event in the Badminton Europe Junior Calendar that Laiba has participated in this year. She has won a silver medal in mixed doubles in Moldova, as well as a bronze medal in doubles. In Italy, she won bronze medals in doubles and mixed doubles.

In a post on X, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu congratulated Laiba on her win, describing it as an honour for the Maldives.

The President said that Laiba is an inspiration for those who wish to pursue sports. He encouraged Laiba to continue on her path and achieve successes in future as well.

Laiba's father, former Sports Minister Ahmed Mahloof, thanked the President for his words of encouragement. He thanked the President and Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu for Laiba's inclusion in the 'Arutha' program.