Maldives Push Bangladesh to Deciding Set in Group Finale
The Maldives men’s beach volleyball pair of Ismail Sajid and Adam Naseem took Bangladesh to a deciding third set in a closely contested final group-stage match at the 20th Asian Games Aichi–Nagoya 2026.
Competing at the Hekinan Ryokuchi Beach Court, the leading Maldivian pair made an impressive start and controlled the opening set. Sajid and Naseem maintained a clear advantage throughout to secure it 21–13 and move within one set of victory.
Bangladesh responded in a tightly fought second set, with neither pair able to establish a decisive lead. The contest remained close into the final points before Bangladesh edged the set 21–19, levelling the match and forcing a decider.
The momentum continued to shift in the third set as both teams remained within reach of the victory. Sajid and Naseem pushed Bangladesh beyond the regulation 15 points, but the Bangladeshi pair eventually prevailed 17–15 to complete a narrow 2–1 win.
The result concluded the men’s group-stage competition for the Maldives. The Maldivian women’s pair of Aminath Areesha and Fathimath Anaal will also face Mongolia in their final group-stage fixture.
