In the field of sports, the past year has been a successful one, marked by unprecedented efforts to establish sports infrastructure and facilities across the country.
With a long-term national sports development plan, initiated with a firm commitment and informed by the expertise of international specialists, 2025 concluded with a strong foundation and a promising outlook for the future of Maldivian sports.
A record number of fitness and recreational centres were developed to promote healthy lifestyles among the public. Stadiums, courts, tracks, outdoor gyms and sports complexes were developed in various regions of the country, significantly expanding access to sports and physical activity.
In addition, the development began on several international-standard sports arenas. Major projects launched during the year included an Olympic-size swimming pool, an international-class tennis complex, a skate arena and a dedicated surfing arena.
The Maldives also hosted several major international sporting events during the year, including the Carrom World Cup, the CAVA Volleyball Tournament, the ITF J30 and ATF J30 Tennis Tournaments. In addition, the country hosted international badminton and basketball tournaments, further strengthening its presence on the global sporting stage.
The Football Association of Maldives (FAM), which had been affected by corruption and administrative instability, underwent a revival, leading to the reintroduction of the domestic league. Women’s football, which had previously been neglected, was also revitalised under the renewed administration.
After several years without international success, Maldivian football returned to winning ways. For the first time since 2018, the national team secured an international trophy, defeating Sri Lanka to win the South Asian Super Cup.
Meanwhile, the Badminton Association of Maldives, which had previously been suspended by the international governing body, was reinstated. This restoration enabled Maldivian badminton players to once again represent the country in international competitions, marking a significant boost for the sport and its community.
Maldivian athletes achieved notable success on the international stage over the past year, securing silver and bronze medals in multiple categories at the Bodybuilding World Championships.
In tennis, Maldivian players claimed championship titles at both the ITF J30 and ATF tournaments, reflecting steady progress in the sport at the junior level.
The Maldives women’s team delivered a historic performance at the Carrom World Cup, advancing to the final and finishing as runners-up — the highest achievement by the team in the tournament’s history. Meanwhile, both the Maldives men’s and women’s carrom teams topped their respective groups, resulting in an improvement in the country’s world rankings.
The year also proved successful for the Maldives in table tennis and badminton, with athletes recording strong performances in international competitions. Progress was further seen in shooting sports, where Maldivian athletes secured a gold medal.
In addition, Maldivian riders excelled in the newly introduced international inline skating series held in Indonesia, winning gold medals and multiple podium finishes, marking a significant milestone for the sport.
The most significant achievement of the past year was the long-awaited reform of the Sports Act. The government completed the amendment process at a rapid pace, bringing to conclusion legislation that had been the subject of extensive debate in Parliament.
Through these amendments, the rights of athletes who had previously been sidelined or excluded were formally secured. In addition, the Arutha programme was reintroduced in May, ensuring salary parity between athletes and officials and eliminating long-standing disparities that had affected the sports sector.
International cooperation in sports also expanded during the year. The Maldives signed important agreements with Malaysia and China’s Fujian Province to strengthen collaboration in sports development. As part of this cooperation, China donated sports equipment to the Maldives, which was subsequently handed over to national associations and distributed to communities across various islands.
On the competitive front, four Maldivian athletes — both men and women — qualified for the Asian Games in Japan. The Maldives also recorded progress at the Asian Sailing Championships held in India, reflecting continued improvement in regional and continental competitions.
The year 2025 concluded as a successful period for sports development, with a large number of technical personnel trained to support athlete development through sport. For the first time, the national football team was coached with the support of an Uzbek head coach, laying the groundwork for participation in the AFC Football Championship, which begins this year.
Overall, it has been a remarkable year for the sports community. Looking ahead, efforts will focus on accelerating the completion of the handball indoor court, a project that was halted shortly after the start of the new year, and addressing the ongoing challenge of limited resources faced by the handball community.
The New Year has begun on a positive note for the sports family. From January, national team athletes will begin receiving insurance coverage, marking an important step in athlete welfare.
The government has also provided significant relief to the financial challenges faced by athletes. With increased salaries, many athletes are now beginning the year by travelling independently to tournaments in different countries. These opportunities will play a key role in preparing athletes for the international competitions in which the Maldives will participate this year.
At the same time, an important initiative to archive the nation’s sporting history was launched during the past year. This effort aims to preserve the achievements of past and present athletes, ensuring that future generations can recognise and learn from those who have brought honour to Maldivian sports.
With multiple projects progressing as pledged by the President, 2026 stands as a promising year for sports in the Maldives — one defined by continuity, opportunity and renewed ambition.