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Thousands of Maldivians wearing red and waving national flags have given a rousing welcome to their National Soccer Team on their return from Bangladesh where they have shown splendid performance in all the matches they played in the SAAF Championship but lost in the Final played with India on penalties 3-1 on Sunday. Maldives who won SAAF championship last year have since become famous as the soccer power of South Asia while its captain Ali Ashfag has been acclaimed as the best player in the region.

On their arrival at Male International Airport they were met by officials of the Football Association and Airports Authority and they were ushered to the VVIP Lounge where their families welcomed them.

The National Team travelled to Male in a colourfully decorated vessel from the Airport. On arrival at the Official Jetty they were first greeted by Vice President Dr. Mohamed Waheed, his wife and Political Adviser of the President Hassan Afeef, Honorary Chairman of Maldives Olympic Committee Mohamed Zahir Naseer and Chairman of the Committee Ibrahim Ismail, Chairman of the Football Association Ali Azim and senior officials of the Sports Ministry.The large crowd of supporters gathered in the Republic Park were cheering and waving the national team and went on expressing their love and admiration to the team. You are our heroes, You have done us proud. Your performance and courage is remarkable. For us you have won the game. You are our champions. Its great, Its as good as bringing back the championship.

The players were overwhelmed by the rousing welcome and cheers they were receiving from all sides, from everyone, men and women and children, They shook hands with as many in the mammoth crowd before boarding the vehicle which took them in the main streets also thronged with cheering supporters to the Ummeedhu Park in Lonuziyaaraiykolhu which was also packed with smiling and cheering supporters. Live bands were playing SAAF championship theme song and other welcoming songs dedicated to the National Team.

The country was in festive mood since Sunday to celebrate the outstanding performance of the Maldives National Team.

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