An amendment bill to the Sports Act has been proposed with the aim of abolishing the Maldives Sports Corporation Limited.
The bill was submitted by Parliamentarian Ali Niyaz on behalf of the government. He said the bill consists of seven amendments with the aim of formulating policies under which actions can be taken to provide opportunities to athletes of all ages.
The bill aims to abolish the clause in the Sports Act that requires the formation of the Sports Corporation and proposes to establish the Maldives National Anti-Doping Agency in accordance with the International Convention against Doping in Sport. The bill also states that any issues regarding agreements made between the Maldives and international sports agencies can be settled in court.
Additionally, the bill states that specific national sports guidelines will be formulated for school sports, non-competitive sports, and competitive sports, while cultural activities will be excluded from following the guidelines. The bill also allows the registration of sports associations under various categories including national sports federations, national sports associations, regional sports associations, sports associations, and sports clubs.
Furthermore, the bill proposes to appoint a member to represent persons with special needs at the National Sports Council and to abolish YES TV. Some parliamentarians have expressed concern that the bill does not include amendments for the development of sports in the atolls.