Vice President Faisal Naseem has officially inaugurated the turf pitch developed in Guraidhoo, Kaafu Atoll.
The pitch was officially opened at a ceremony held at Guraidhoo. The ceremony was attended by Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Ahmed Mahloof.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President Naseem said the stadium reminded him of going to Guraidhoo 30 years ago to play football. He said the island's people were seen as friendly then and now as well.
At the ceremony, Minister Mahloof said the stadium will be equipped with a rostrum and lights, allowing the stadium to host Dhivehi Premier League (DPL) matches. He said it gives him the satisfaction of completing the project completely despite delays.
A football match was played after the opening of the stadium between a veterans' team from Guraidhoo and a team formed by the sports ministry. The team included Vice President Naseem and Minister Mahloof. The match ended with neither team scoring a goal.
The presidential pledge of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih includes the development of quality turf fields on 100 islands in the country. The Football Association of the Maldives (FAM) is working to expand DPL to be played on a home-and-away basis from the 2023/24 season.