The Maldives National Institute of Sports (MNIS), operating under the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation has announced a landmark achievement, successfully training more than 600 professionals across coaching, officiating, and sports administration over the two years of the incumbent administration.
The aggressive training schedule reflects MNIS’s commitment to providing comprehensive professional opportunities and technical expertise required for the sustained growth of Maldivian sports.
The core of the institution's output focuses on developing coaching acumen. A total of 253 coaches graduated from various specialty programs during the period, including 110 handball coaches, 103 football coaches, and 23 basketball coaches, ensuring specialised instruction is available nationwide.
Crucially, MNIS has placed a significant emphasis on developing qualified technical officials to uphold standards in domestic competition. Over 270 referees, umpires, and officials were certified. This group includes a large contingent of 50 volleyball referees, 61 football referees, 39 badminton umpires, and 48 carrom umpires, alongside specialists in cricket (14 umpires) and handball (17 referees). This expansion is vital for allowing Maldives to host and participate effectively in a wider range of competitive events.
In addition to core technical roles, MNIS programs addressed the critical need for professional support staff. The institute successfully trained 32 sports administrators and team managers, 22 first aid officials, and 25 fitness coaches. Additionally, 14 individuals were certified in sports media and marketing, while 44 participants received specialised information sessions covering crucial areas such as sports nutrition and psychology.
Highlighting the quality assurance of its curricula, MNIS confirmed that five of its diverse courses have received official accreditation from the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA). Two additional comprehensive courses have recently been submitted for MQA accreditation, positioning MNIS as the paramount national institution for formalised sports professional development.