Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Abdulla Rafiu, stated that the most important work undertaken in the sports sector over the past 104 weeks was the passing of the Sports Law with new amendments, and that this law would be a step towards taking sports development in a new direction.
In a special interview given to PSM News regarding the important achievements in the sports sector over the past 104 weeks, the Minister stated that President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu began efforts to bring amendments to the Sports Law during the first year of his presidency. The Minister described this work as an important undertaking carried out in consultation with all stakeholders in the sports sector, incorporating everyone’s ideas.
“Previously, we discussed creating a long-term plan, involving all institutions. At that time, we talked about the need to bring changes to the law, to strengthen governance. And those changes should result in a law designed to steer the direction of our sports in the way we all discussed,” the Minister said.
The Minister stated that the biggest change President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu envisioned for the sports sector was to amend the Sports Law and redirect sports towards a new path. He added that bringing amendments to the Sports Law through diligent effort and successfully passing it is one of the biggest achievements in this sector. The Minister highlighted that the newly amended Sports Law is designed to empower the sector and steer the direction of sports in the best possible way. He further revealed that many initiatives are currently underway following the passing of this law. “Along with that, some of these matters are currently being implemented, structured in a detailed manner,” the Minister said.
The Minister also noted that one of the most important ongoing tasks under this law is the establishment of a Sports Fund. He informed that this fund would alleviate the burden on the Ministry of Sports’ budget and would include assistance from foreign parties and private sponsors. “This includes receiving foreign funds from outside the Maldives, aid from some private sponsors to the fund, and benefiting from the existing sports facilities through this budget. We will also use the assistance we receive from the private sector through this fund to develop athletes,” the Minister stated.
In his address, the Minister highlighted that arrangements for providing insurance to national athletes and officials would be finalized this year, and this matter has been included in next year’s budget. This marks the first time that all athletes and officials representing the Maldives will receive insurance coverage. Looking at other initiatives undertaken this year, the Minister noted that out of the sports infrastructure development projects commenced this year, 30 projects have been completed, and 59 projects that were previously ongoing have been completed this year. He also highlighted that work on over 300 projects is currently underway.
