President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Monday reaffirmed the unifying and transformative power of sport, describing it as an essential pursuit that builds courage, reinforces national solidarity, and promotes the discipline needed for success. In a message shared via social media to mark World Olympic Day, he extended congratulations to athletes, sporting professionals, and enthusiasts across the Maldives for their enduring commitment to the nation’s athletic progress.
The occasion, observed annually on 23 June, marks the founding of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Paris in 1894 by Baron Pierre de Coubertin. Since its first celebration in 1948, World Olympic Day has grown from a modest commemoration into a global initiative, now recognised by more than 200 National Olympic Committees.
This year's observance draws momentum from the theme "Let’s Move", a campaign jointly introduced by the IOC and the World Health Organization (WHO). The initiative seeks to counter rising levels of physical inactivity while encouraging social connection through inclusive, accessible movement. That message will continue to guide Olympic Day in 2025, reinforcing the call for global engagement in physical activity and community well-being.
In aligning with the broader Olympic spirit, the Maldives joined the IOC in 1985. The nation marked its entry onto the world stage three years later, participating in the 1988 Summer Games in Seoul, South Korea.
The roots of the Olympic celebration run deeper still. In 1896, Athens hosted the first modern Olympic Games, welcoming 241 athletes from 14 countries across 43 events. That moment not only reignited a historical tradition but also laid the groundwork for a sporting movement grounded in excellence and international unity.
Since those early days, when just nine nations formed the Olympic Movement, it has expanded to span nearly the entire globe. The values it upholds, among them perseverance, respect, and mutual understanding, remain central to each annual observance.