President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has declared 2026 a pivotal year for the development of sports, unveiling an ambitious and comprehensive national infrastructure plan designed to transform the nation into a regional sporting hub.
Delivering his Presidential Address to open the Parliament for the year, President Muizzu laid out a detailed timeline for a series of high-profile projects that promise to revolutionise sporting facilities across the country.
The cornerstone of this initiative is the imminent construction of two major complexes. As announced, work on a multi-story football complex and a separate multi-story netball complex will commence in April. These state-of-the-art facilities will each be equipped with an international standard stadium and four additional training pitches. This development is set to significantly elevate the training and competitive standards for these sports.
Additionally, the government is pushing forward with the construction of 16 new sports complexes, each with a capacity for 1,200 spectators, with an additional five slated to begin this year.
The portfolio of projects is notably diverse, catering to a wide range of athletic pursuits. President Muizzu confirmed that land reclamation for a dedicated racing and drifting track will start in March. In the same month, a new skate arena, featuring both a speed skating track and a skateboard park, is scheduled to open. In a move acknowledging modern trends, the government will also launch an e-sports arcade in the city this year to foster the rapidly growing digital sports industry.
Highlighting the scale of the administration’s commitment, the President stated that 879 sports-related projects are currently in various stages of development and are expected to be completed within the next 12 months. This builds upon the completion of 92 projects to date, which included finishing 59 initiatives left incomplete by the previous government.
Beyond the urban centres, the initiative has a strong grassroots focus. The President pledged the construction of new football stadiums, fitness centres, and special arenas for various sports in islands nationwide. Emphasising the broader vision, President Muizzu stated that these world-class facilities are intended to create opportunities for hosting international tournaments.
He also reaffirmed that the development of sports is a top priority for his administration, crucial for building a healthy society.