Fairooz to captain Maldives for Tiger Cup 2026

Veteran middle blocker Adam Fairooz has been appointed captain of the Maldives senior men’s national volleyball team for the upcoming 6th Tiger Cup Invitational Open Volleyball Tournament in Pokhara, Nepal.

The tournament, which features teams from Nepal, India, and Thailand, is scheduled to begin on January 23.

The Maldivian squad received their official jerseys on Thursday, handed over by Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu during a ceremony held ahead of the team’s departure.

This year’s squad marks a major generational shift, with Fairooz as the only senior player in the lineup. It is the first time a Maldivian senior team will compete in a major international tournament with such a young roster, as part of efforts to build a new generation of players through international exposure.

Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Abdulla Rafiu officially handed over the jerseys to the Senior Men's National Volleyball team, who are set to compete in the Tiger Cup 2026 in Nepal. pic.twitter.com/JwxZGZTMJj

— Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation (@MoSFR_mv) January 15, 2026

Maldives squad for Tiger Cup 2026  

• Adam Fairooz (Captain)  

• Ahmed Aiham Mohamed  

• Ahmed Ilham Ali  

• Shine Abdullah  

• Yaish Riffath Hameed  

• Shamil Mohamed  

• Ibrahim Rakin Hassan  

• Maish Ahmed  

• Ian Ali  

• Mauzoon Niyaz  

• Ahmed Nafiu  

• Mohamed Lathfan Ali  

• Hailam Hassan  

The team is coached by Farhad Nazari Afshar of Iran, with Nasrullah Thoha and Ali Zaeem as assistant coaches. Mohamed Ilham serves as manager, and Ismail Samah as kit manager.

Fairooz, born in V. Keyodhoo, is widely regarded as one of the best middle blockers in the country. He made his national debut in 2013, earning a silver medal in the Central Zone Volleyball Tournament that same year. His contributions to developing young talent and expanding the sport’s reach are celebrated across the volleyball community.