Courtside Dreams - Breaking New Ground in Maldivian Basketball

Ifa’s relationship with basketball began casually, with games among friends that quickly developed into a profound passion. “Basketball is like a getaway for me from reality. It has helped me a lot. It has changed me into this person that I never knew I could be. It’s made me more confident in myself,” Ifa explained, her words painting a picture of a sanctuary found within the boundaries of the court. 

Spanning almost eight years, Ifa’s transition from casual games to serious training marks a journey of self-discovery and the realization of her own potential. Under the guidance of her cousin-uncle, a former basketball player and her inter-school coaches, Ifa began to hone her skills. “At first, I lacked the foundational skills. I didn’t want to be known just for my speed, I wanted to be recognized as an actual player,” Ifa shared, embracing her approach as a path to personal and athletic growth. Integral to this growth has been the unwavering encouragement from her mother, a constant source of inspiration. Her father, who was initially hesitant about her pursuing basketball as a career choice - a path typically not widely encouraged for women in the Maldives, now beams with pride over her accomplishments, symbolizing the positive shift in societal perceptions towards women’s sports.

Her evolution as a player is deeply intertwined with the evolving landscape of women’s basketball in the Maldives. “Now there are so many clubs and I see so many young athletes getting trained,” she observed, noting the positive changes towards inclusivity and recognition in women’s basketball. Ifa’s own development mirrored this growth, as she moved from being primarily an assisting player to adopting a more aggressive stance on the court. This shift in her playstyle is part of her ongoing journey to develop as a complete basketball player, constantly challenging herself to improve and adapt. However, she acknowledged that opportunities for women and girls, especially in terms of tournaments, remain limited compared to their male counterparts, a gap she hopes will continue to close over time. 

A significant aspect of Ifa’s story is her mental resilience and perseverance. Recalling her early experiences with the national team tryouts, she shared, “I was still young and didn't have the experience, so I didn't make the cut, but it was okay for me. I still loved the experience I had.” This initial setback, far from discouraging her, served as a catalyst for her growth and determination. “There had been times where I felt maybe I should just stop, but I always kept coming back to it,” Ifa confessed, highlighting her resilience in the face of adversity.

This inner strength was profoundly evident in 2019 when she successfully made the national team. Yet, it was during the Indian Ocean Island Games (IOIG) in Madagascar in 2023 that Ifa’s mental fortitude shone brightest. Facing doubts and on the verge of giving up, she pushed through to not only participate, but also excel. In a momentous achievement, the 3x3 Maldivian women’s basketball team secured a bronze medal. This historic feat was the first time the 3x3 women’s team participated in an international tournament and won an international medal for the country. This achievement not only symbolized a personal victory for Ifa, but also a breakthrough for women’s basketball in the Maldives, heralding a new era of recognition and respect for women athletes in the nation. 

Through this significant milestone, Ifa hopes it sparks a change in how women’s sports are perceived in the Maldives. “We need more recognition. There are so many sports bringing remarkable results from international games. Recognizing these achievements individually as well as in team sports could really change the game, especially for women and girls in the Maldives,” Ifa shared, highlighting the need for broader appreciation and support for women athletes across various sport disciplines. 

Ifa’s life off the court is as dynamic as her game. Balancing her studies, an internship and her role at the ‘Ballers Academy’, she embodies the essence of a multifaceted individual. Involved in various capacities, from refereeing to coaching, she shares, “I’m everywhere in basketball. You’ll find me everywhere.” This dedication, along with her aspirations in sports medicine speak to her passion for impacting the sports world in a multitude of ways. 

Embracing a sense of fun, Ifa demonstrates that enjoying the lighter moments is as vital as maintaining focus and determination. Despite being quite reserved and private, Ifa shared a playful aspect of her personality, usually kept behind the scenes. “Before my games, I blow up my speakers, I listen to music and I just dance. It’s my way of getting hyped up and getting into the zone,” she shared with a laugh, slightly hesitant but candid. This light-hearted routine adds an unexpected and charming layer to her persona, reminding us that at the heart of every athlete, is someone who finds joy and motivation in their sport.

What makes her story deeply moving and inspirational is not just her achievements, but her willingness to pave the way for others. Her experience stands as a compelling narrative for every young girl in the Maldives who dares to dream big in the world of sports. “Go for it. If it’s something that you really want to do, just go for it. Don’t listen to what anyone else has to say,” she advised, her words echoing a powerful message of encouragement and empowerment.

Looking ahead, Ifa envisions a future where her passion for basketball intertwines with her academic pursuits. “My dream is to make a difference in sports medicine while still continuing my journey in basketball,” she reflected, aiming to nurture and support the next generation of athletes. This ambition, coupled with the invaluable lesson of perseverance she’s learnt from sports, shapes her approach to life. “Basketball has taught me to never give up, to keep pushing even when it’s tough. This lesson is something I apply in every aspect of my life,” she added, embodying the ethos of resilience and determination that marks her story as an inspiration to all.

Follow her journey: @ifa.athif