President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has presented the most prestigious awards of the Maldives Sports Awards 2023.
The gala event, organised by the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, was held at the Male’ Ekuveni Synthetic Track. First Lady Fazna Ahmed joined President Solih at the function alongside senior government officials, athletes, and top sportspersons from across the globe.
President Solih presented the most prestigious awards at the function, including the Lifetime Achievement Award to five individuals for their long service to sports and the Sports Icon Award to eight international sportspersons for their role in creating positive social change through sports.
Additionally, President Solih conferred the Special Recognition Award on 16 individuals for their role in promoting sports in the Maldives and their hard work bringing positive change to communities through sports. He also presented the Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards.
This year, the Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred on the late Ibrahim Manik, the late Ahmed Riza, the late Ahmed Manik, Ahmed Waheed, and Mallaa Lhathuhthu. The Special Recognition Award was conferred on Minister of Youth and Sports of Nigeria Sunday Akin Dare.
The Maldives Sports Awards are the most significant national event aimed at recognising, encouraging, and celebrating Maldivian athletes, and they were first introduced in 2022.