The foundation stone has been laid for a new sports complex in Nolhivaram of Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
The foundation stone was laid by the Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Abdulla Rafiu, and the Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, alongside the Vice-President of the Nolhivaram Council, Mohamed Hussain.
The project is being implemented on behalf of the government by MACL.
Nolhivaram Council President Yoosuf Moosa said the centre would be an important addition to the island, which has a large youth population and a strong sporting culture. He noted that such a centre would bring development to the island in the field of sports.
"This island has a large population of young people but limited resources. Therefore, I believe it is a great initiative by the government to establish such a centre here,” he said.
With a population of nearly 3,000, Nolhivaram is regarded as a sports island, having produced several prominent athletes. Among them are national team’s third goalkeeper Iyan Abdul Aleem and former national volleyball team setter Hussain Hameed.