Maldivian teen Laiba Ahmed wins triple gold at Armenian Youth Open

17-year-old badminton player secures her first international gold medals, marking a major milestone in rising sports career.

MALE, Maldives (MNTV) — Young Maldivian badminton player Laiba Ahmed Mahloof has claimed three gold medals at the Armenian Youth Open 2025, marking a breakthrough on the international stage.

The tournament, held in Yerevan, Armenia, saw the 17-year-old sweep the women’s singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles events — her first international golds. In last year’s edition of the same competition, she had earned silver in doubles and bronze in mixed doubles.

Laiba’s win in Armenia adds to a growing list of accomplishments in the European youth circuit. Earlier this year, she secured a silver medal in mixed doubles at a tournament in Moldova and bronze medals in both doubles and mixed doubles in Italy — all part of the Badminton Europe Junior Calendar.

Her success has drawn praise across the Maldives and sparked optimism about the country’s future in international badminton. Many in the sports community view Laiba as part of a new generation of athletes pushing beyond regional boundaries to compete globally.

Laiba’s father, former Sports Minister Ahmed Mahloof, expressed pride in her accomplishments and acknowledged the support she has received through the national ‘Arutha’ development program — an initiative aimed at fostering emerging sports talent in the Maldives.

At just 17, Laiba’s consistent performance across multiple international tournaments highlights her potential as one of the Maldives’ most promising young athletes. 

Her trajectory underscores the increasing participation and success of Maldivian athletes in international youth sports arenas.