Sports play a crucial role in national development, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
He made this remark during his presidential address, delivered during the inaugural sitting of the People’s Majlis on Thursday morning.
Highlighting that sports and fitness are essential for the health and well-being of the youth community, the president stated that sports play a crucial role in national development.
President Solih revealed that there are multiple individuals in the youth community who wish to compete at the the highest level in their field, and succeed, adding that their success is a victory for all Maldivians.
With this being said, the president announced that multiple sports facilities established will promote the youth and facilitate international competitions to be held in the Maldives.
During 2021, Maldives participated in the International Paralympics for the first time in the competition’s 54-year-old history.
So far the government has established 26 football turf stadiums with which football tournaments and games may now be played in different regions of the country at a national level.
This year, the establishment of such indoor sporting facilities will continue in different parts of the country under the Indoor Sports Complex project, the president assured.
Some of the major projects planned for the ongoing year include the development of the Galolhu Stadium in Malé City and complexes for national table tennis, basketball, volleyball, handball and netball.
Highlighting the importance of being able to present the Maldives and a globally practical water sports destination, the president revealed that the Asian Surf Championship and a leg of the Bodyboarding World Tour will be held in the Maldives during 2022, with surfing and bodyboarding national team athletes currently being paid salaries under the new regulation as well.
In his presidential address, Solih went on to highlight the important role played by artists across the Maldives, who according to the president produce the country’s image.
Their brushes, music, and poetry will keep the history and traditions of this country alive. It is a misstep that we have not been able to bring the progress and support these artists deserve. Work has begun to rectify this.”Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President of Maldives
In 2022, the government will begin a project to modernize the Olympus Theatre and open new doors for local talents through the introduction of new music practice rooms.
Further, the government is currently carrying out the work for site museums in Haa Alif, Thaa and Noonu atolls to protect the cultural heritage of Maldives.
