President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has stated that his administration aims to facilitate all Maldivian sportsmen by establishing sporting facilities across the country. Speaking at the ceremony held to unveil the FIFA World Cup Trophy in Maldives, the President cited that that a record number of Maldivian athletes competed in international tournaments during the last four years of his administration. President Yameen reiterated his aim to facilitate all Maldivian sportsmen and underscored the priority accorded by the administration to establish sporting facilities across the country.
In this regard, President Yameen noted that during the last four years, more sporting facilities, pitches and courts have been built in the country, surpassing the number built 50 years prior. The President noted that his administration introduced remuneration contracts for all national team players, as part of the Government's sports manifesto pledge.
"The moment has come to witness the most passionate and prestigious idol of all times, the iconic FIFA Trophy visiting the popular idealistic popular honeymoon destination of our beautiful Maldives. Let me welcome FIFA Trophy and embrace on behalf of all Maldivians with open arms." President Yameen said.
In his speech, the President extended heartfelt appreciation on behalf of all Maldivians, to the management of FIFA, the World Cup organising committee, Football Association of Maldives, and Coca-Cola Company for the joyous occasion of the World Cup trophy's visit to Maldives.
While President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom unveiled the FIFA World Cup Trophy in Maldives, as part of the trophy tour, First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim welcomed the FIFA World Cup trophy tour team, on their arrival at the Velana International Airport. Maldives is the second stop of this year's FIFA World Cup trophy tour.