President calls on national football team to make it their lofty ambition to win SAFF Championship

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has called upon the national football team to make winning the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) championship this year, a high priority. President Abdulla Yameen made the appeal while meeting the national football team, following the inauguration of Sports Arena Futsal Grounds in Dharubaaruge convention centre. The national football team will participate in the SAFF Championship, scheduled to begin in Bangladesh next month.
In his speech, the president highlighted the Maldivian team has already proved their capability to win the competition. In this regard, the president emphasised Maldives winning the SAFF Championship in 2008 was proof that Maldives is among one of the top football talents in the South Asian region. Furthermore, President Yameen expressed hope the national football team would bring good name to the country and expressed that all the Maldivians are fully supportive and behind the national football team. The president also appealed to the national team to work hard to win every single match in the upcoming competition.
Moreover, the president revealed a special employment scheme will be introduced for youth working in resorts. Noting that previous governments did not prioritise youth working in resorts, the president stated sufficient opportunities were not given for resort staff.
Highlighting that over 18,000 Maldivian youth work in resorts, President Yameen assured to introduce a special employment scheme with a capital of about USD 6.5 million which would be increased to over USD 32 million, if the scheme is accepted by youth. The president underscored the main objective of the scheme is to solve major issues faced by youth working in resorts. Furthermore, the president in his speech revealed a high number of jobs will be introduced upon completion of mega infrastructure projects across the country.
During the ceremony, the president inaugurated 50 futsal grounds, as part of the sports arena project initiated by the administration. The sports arena project was initiated by the administration, as part of President Yameen's electoral pledge to establish sports arenas across the country.
The president was accompanied at the ceremony by cabinet ministers and parliament members.