Fathimath Dheema Ali, who is a student of Royal Institute International Girls’ School has won 6 medals at South Asian Junior Table Tennis Championship which was held from 9th – 11th May 2022 in Maldives. She was able to bag 2 Bronze Medals from Team Matches and Double Matches held under Cadet Division. In addition, she achieved Bronze Medals in Team Matches, Double Matches and Single Matches under Junior Division.
Beginning of her remarkable journey
Fathimath Dheema Ali was born in Sri Lanka to Maldivian parents, Aishath Waheeda and Abdul Sattar Ali. Dheema’s remarkable table-tennis journey began at the age of 6 and since then, she has achieved numerous awards both within and out of Sri Lanka. This outstanding world class table tennis player became the youngest participant in the World Table – Tennis Championship at the age of 10.She was able to achieve several Championships by participating in a number of provincial and all-island events in Sri Lanka while studying at RI Girls’ School which paved the path to compete internationally. In 2018, she was able to win the Silver Medal in Hopes Category in South Asia Cadet and Junior Table – Tennis Championship. In the same year, she won the Gold Medal in South Asian Regional Hopes Challenge.
The youngest player to represent at a world stage
Dheema was the youngest player to represent Maldives at the Liebherr 2018 World Team Championship. The Maldivian Team became the toast of media because of the presence of our 10-year-old Dheema Ali. It was one of the most significant events in her life as she had to play against her coach. She played against Ishara Madurangi, who was a member of the Sri Lankan Team that beat Maldives in the Group Stage. According to Dheema, it was a great opportunity for her to play against her coach at the World Championship which had given her a special feeling which could only be felt on a big stage as such.
Dheema’s glory continues with additions of the gold medals
In 2019, Dheema was able to add another Gold Medal to her collection by victoriously concluding the South Asian Hopes Challenge held in India. In addition, in July 2019, at the age of 11, Dheema won three Gold Medals in the Table Tennis Category at Indian Ocean Island Games.
Inspiring excellence – balancing sports and academics
Dheema is an excellent example to the students who are afraid of engaging in a sport thinking that it will unfavourably affect their academic performances. Dheema has been able to perform well in her studies with the help of her teachers and peers while securing her position in the international arena. Her class teachers at RI Girls’ School mention that she is not only a hard-working student but also a wonderful character who possesses praise – worthy qualities.
Bringing pride to the alma mater
Her journey with Royal Institute International School began at the age of 3 in 2010, which has been a wonderful one. Fathimath shares, “I have been studying in Royal Institute International Girls’ School for over 12 years and I believe that my school has contributed a lot towards my success. I cannot express how thankful I am for the continuous support and for guiding me in the path to success. Without the school’s help and guidance, I would not be where I am today. I am planning to continue my studies in the accounting field as I gained an interest towards the subject the moment, I first started studying it. My Accounting teacher made me like the subject even more because of her amazing teaching skills.” With her great involvement in playing table tennis representing her nation, she continues her academic journey out of Sri Lanka. All of us at Royal Institute International School are so proud of her and would like to wish all the best in her future endeavours!
Dear Dheema, you will always be showered with the blessings from your alma mater!
