Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation has handed over the development of a world-class surfing and bodyboarding arena in Maldives to the Chinese firm Rotime Engineering Technology Private Limited. The agreement for the project was formalised in a ceremony held at the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), where Minister Abdulla Rafiu and Managing Director Zhou Weidong signed the venture agreement.
During the ceremony, Minister Rafiu underscored that the project was initiated in response to a request from the Maldives Surfing and Bodyboarding Association, with the primary objective of overcoming challenges in hosting international competitions on a larger scale.
Meanwhile, Managing Director Zhou Weidong emphasised the importance of sports like surfing and bodyboarding in revitalising Maldivian culture and traditions, expressing his commitment to seeing the sports thrive in the future. Rotime Engineering and Technology has previously undertaken the development of a swimming pool in Hulhumale' and are currently involved in developing a tennis complex.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu confirmed during the Ahaa Forum that discussions have taken place with two surfing associations, and efforts are underway to expedite the construction of the new stadium. This aligns with the administration's commitment to promoting sports in the Maldives.
Minister Rafiu has stressed the importance of optimising sports resources and structuring them in a manner that best benefits athletes, reflecting the ongoing efforts to enhance the sports landscape in the country.