Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Ahmed Mahloof has stated revolutionary changes will be brought to Maldivian sports by the end of the current presidential term in 2023.
Speaking at a radio programme, Minister Mahloof said the government has launched many projects and programmes aimed at revolutionising the sports sector of the Maldives. He expressed confidence the sports sector will see significant progress and development by the end of the current presidential term.
The sports minister also highlighted the achievements of local athletes over the past two years, especially at the 2019 Indian Ocean Island Games in which Maldives won 15 medals, including 3 gold medals. He attributed the achievements to the hard work and commitment of sports associations and the ministry.
Speaking further, Minister Mahloof said the biggest priority of the ministry is developing dedicated sports facilities in the Maldives. As such, he highlighted ongoing projects to develop a facility capable of hosting the World Billiard Championship, an international handball court indoor basketball stadium and a professional swimming pool as well as facilities for volleyball and table tennis. He added many more projects have been planned for the development of sports in the Maldives.
The minister further noted the government is in talks to postpone the 2023 Indian Ocean Island Games, which is set to be held in the Maldives. However, he said the development of sports facilities will continue without interruption even if the event is postponed.