Minister Abdullah Rafeeu has stated that it is an honor for the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment to assist in organizing the Th. Thoddoo Masters TT Tournament. The Minister said that this tournament demonstrates that international competitions can be held even in the atolls. “This tournament is a shining example of showcasing the Maldives internationally and proving that such events can be held in the islands of Maldives. We have planned similar programs for this year as well. Among them, I would like to highlight the Commonwealth Beach Handball Tournament to be held this year,” the Minister said.
Noting that the President encourages holding international tournaments in the Maldives, the Minister said that the President’s presence at the opening ceremony of the Th. Thoddoo Masters TT Tournament is a clear indication of the importance he places on sports. The Minister pointed out that previously, Maldivian teams were seen traveling abroad to participate in tournaments, but now international competitions are being brought to the Maldives. He added that in the past, international tournaments were only held in Male’, but now they are being organized in other islands of the Maldives as well. The Minister emphasized that even the Sports Act stipulates the promotion of sports throughout the entire country.
The Minister highlighted that table tennis is a sport that has brought many proud achievements to the Maldives, and efforts are currently underway to establish a TT hall to further develop this sport. He expressed gratitude to IHA Academy and Thoddoo Local Company for making it possible to host the Masters TT Tournament in the Maldives for the first time. The Minister said that the President’s dedication of time to this tournament is clear evidence of the importance he places on sports, and on behalf of the sports community, he thanked the President.
The Th. Thoddoo Masters TT Tournament is a competition specifically designed for age groups over 40 years. Players compete in six age categories in this tournament: over 40, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, 60-64 years, 65-69 years, and over 70 years.
More than 100 players from 18 countries are participating in this tournament. These include India, Russia, China, Germany, Spain, New Zealand, and the United States. The tournament, which includes singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories, will be held at Thoddoo School. This is the largest TT tournament of its kind to be held in the Maldives.
