Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu has disclosed that the government intends to establish a dedicated sports facility for each national sport within the next five years. The absence of specialized facilities for each national sport has been a significant concern among athletes and sports associations.
Speaking at the Maldives Sports Awards 2024, Minister Rafiu expressed his concern over the rapid normalization of associations in recent years, emphasizing the need for stronger governance in sports. “The government aims to establish a special sports facility for every national sport within the next five years, addressing one of the primary complaints from athletes and associations,” he stated.
To support the development of sports, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has recently been signed with Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the government is seeking assistance from China, India, Malaysia, the UAE, and other countries on various sports-related initiatives.