The Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Abdulla Rafiu, has stated that the Maldives’ success in the international sporting arena depends on strong cooperation among national sports associations working towards a shared objective.
Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the Maldives Olympic Committee (MOC), the Minister urged associations to align their development initiatives with the national sports plan. He said meaningful progress can be achieved within a short period through patience, strategic planning and unity, particularly in preparation for major competitions such as the Asian Games and the Olympic Games.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of good governance, transparency and effective administration within associations. He emphasised the development of youth athletes and investment in advanced training programmes to secure long-term success.
He stated that enhanced collaboration among associations would contribute to stronger institutions, more confident athletes and a sporting culture capable of inspiring future generations. He added that cooperation between the government and the MOC is already yielding progress, with priority given to sports infrastructure and athlete development.
The government continues to prioritise sports development through infrastructure expansion, technical capacity-building and high-performance training. The Ministry of Sports aims to maintain close coordination with associations to provide support and facilitate opportunities for Maldivian athletes competing internationally.