Maldives invited to participate in inaugural Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games
24 ޖުލައި 2026 | ހުކުރު 09:57The Maldives Olympic Committee has accepted an invitation to the 2027 Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games in the Philippines. Secretary General Thamooh Ahmed Saeed noted the event offers young athletes vital international experience and strengthens the nation's role in the Olympic movement while fostering regional partnerships and cultural exchange.
Fireworks illuminate the sky at Bangkok's Rajamangala National Stadium during the closing ceremony of the 33rd SEA Games. | getty images
An invitation has been extended to the Maldives Olympic Committee (MOC) to participate in the first Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games (SPG), which are set to take place in the Philippines in 2027.
During the official launch ceremony held in Metro Manila earlier this month, the Secretary General of the Maldives Olympic Committee, Thamooh Ahmed Saeed, noted that taking part in the event presents a major opportunity for young Maldivian athletes to demonstrate their abilities on a global stage. He underlined that the tournament provides an avenue to gain essential high-level competition experience while representing the country regionally.
Thamooh expressed that it is a great honor for the Maldives to be included among the National Olympic Committees invited to this inaugural event. He added that the MOC remains dedicated to generating expanded prospects for youth through international contests and training programs to build the future "Team Maldives". Further, he pointed out that participation will reinforce the nation's involvement within the international Olympic movement.
Designed to advance youth athletics and foster regional partnership, the competition will bring together athletes under the age of 16 from 11 Southeast Asian countries. Under the framework's "Plus" concept, invitations have also been extended to various other Asian nations.
The core purpose of the games is to equip promising young athletes with meaningful international exposure early in their athletic journeys, alongside promoting friendship, cultural exchange, and foundational Olympic values among participating countries.
