The Maldivian women’s national tennis team players who were stranded in Jordan after the country closed its airspace amid the exchange of fire between Iran and Israel have safely reached Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The team traveled to Jordan to participate in the qualifying for the Billie Jean Cup or Tennis World Cup on the night of June 12th. Coincidentally, this was the night Israel first launched attacks on Iran after an evacuation notice.
Jordan is in the middle of Iran and Israel. Missiles fired by both sides pass Jordan before they strike their intended target. As such, the country closed its airspace, which was not safe. Subsequently, the tennis team became stranded in the country.
Moreover, with many countries unable to travel to the competition, it was cancelled.
Four players traveled to Jordan to represent Maldives in the qualifying. They include Maldives’ number one female tennis player, Aara Aasal Azim.
According to a parent who spoke with Sun earlier, the players are aged between 14 and 18. The remaining members of the team include its Iranian coach, manager and family members of the players. They include both parents and the younger sibling of one of the players.
Although the tennis team tried to leave Jordan as soon as the attacks began, the first opportunity out of the country was for Dubai, today.
Sources have confirmed to Sun that the team alongside all individuals who were accompanying them, have reached Dubai. They are scheduled to depart to Male’ from Dubai tonight.
During the period the team was stuck in Jordan, they engaged in practice with the Jordanian national team. The Jordanian Olympic Committee also met with the team and ensured that arrangements were made in a manner that would prevent any difficulties.
Maldivian Olympic Committee also closely monitored their situation and provided assistance as required.