The training opportunities available through the partnership agreement with China’s Fujian province, will elevate Maldivian sports to the next level, the Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Abdulla Rafiu has said.
Speaking to PSM News after the handover ceremony of donation of sports apparel and equipment from Fujian Province to the Maldives, Minister Rafiu said the swift donation through the partnership agreement was testament to the excellent relations between Maldives and Fujian.
During the meeting with the officials of Fujian Province, the two sides discussed many issues, including the agreement to conduct additional training exchange programmes between Fujian Province and the Maldives, he said.
"We have discussed sending some of our teams to Fujian Province to conduct training programmes and bringing coaches and players from Fujian Province to conduct exchange programmes," he explained.
The Minister described the donation of sports apparel and equipment as the beginning, adding that Fujian Province will facilitate the opportunity to build the capacity of Maldivian athletes and coaches.
According to Minister Rafiu, Fujian Province will send coaches to train 50 local basketball coaches and offer four slots for locals to train in sports medicine, adding that the National Institute of Sports will oversee its implementation.
The primary aim, he said, is to offer more exposure for local athletes to the more popular sports in Fujian province, in addition to training local coaches and training younger athletes through various exchange programmes.
“This meeting might be seen as just a sports equipment handover ceremony but I think it was a great opportunity to sit-down and discuss how we can further strengthen our existing relationship and incorporate more programmes into this,” he explained.
Minister Rafiu assured that the government is putting in every effort to realise President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision to develop sports across the country which includes the delivery of athletics equipment gifted by China to some islands.