Futsal National Team – Men

The historic Maldives team, winners of the SAFF Futsal Championship, returned home to a rousing and heroic welcome. The team, who claimed the championship in Bangkok, Thailand with a flawless 100% winning record, arrived in Malé on the evening of the 27th. They were warmly received by the Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Mr. Abdulla Rafiu; President of the Football Association of Maldives, Mr. Ahmed Thariq; Commissioner of Sports, Mr. Ahmed Tholal; senior officials of the Maldives Olympic Committee; executive members of FAM; and several prominent figures from the Maldivian football and futsal communities. Prior to departing for Malé, the players shared an emotional reunion with their families and relatives at the VIP Lounge of Velana International Airport. The celebrations then continued with an open-top bus parade to Artificial Beach, where thousands of supporters gathered to welcome their heroes. Upon the team’s arrival at Artificial Beach, the celebrations peaked with fireworks and a spectacular laser show. The championship trophy was officially presented to the Minister of Sports and the President of FAM. The night concluded with live traditional boduberu performances, as players posed for photographs and signed autographs for fans.

The Maldives national futsal team has been crowned the kings of South Asian futsal after completing a flawless campaign at the inaugural SAFF Futsal Championship, held in Bangkok, Thailand, from January 14 to 26. Maldives won all six of their matches to lift the title in dominant fashion. The campaign began with an emphatic 7–1 victory over Pakistan, followed by a 6–1 win against Bangladesh and a commanding 5–0 triumph over India. Maldives then edged past Nepal 2–1 in a closely contested encounter. The championship was secured with a 3–1 comeback victory against Bhutan, and the team capped off their perfect run with a convincing 5–2 win over Sri Lanka in the final match of the tournament. The Maldives squad is scheduled to return home on January 27, where they are set to receive a heroes’ welcome following their historic achievement.

Maldives completed the inaugural SAFF Futsal Championship 2026 with a perfect record, securing a 5–2 victory over Sri Lanka in the final match of the tournament for both teams. The Maldivian side took the lead in the first half through captain Mohamed Imran, who finished confidently to put his team ahead. Sri Lanka responded in a similar fashion to Bhutan in Maldives’ previous match, capitalising on a loose ball and converting a two-on-one situation against the goalkeeper to draw level. Maldives regained the lead before halftime when Huzaifath Rasheed scored from a well-worked set-piece to make it 2–1 at the break. Sri Lanka once again equalised early in the second half with a neatly executed move, but the champions asserted their dominance soon after. Goals from Ahmed Suhail and Mohamed Imran, along with an own goal from Sri Lanka, sealed a convincing 5–2 win and confirmed Maldives’ flawless run in the competition. The closing ceremony and trophy presentation will take place following the final match of the day between India and Pakistan.