The government plans to develop a plot of land in Maafannu-ward of capital city Malé into a futsal stadium, revealed Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Ahmed Mahloof.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Maldives National University (MNU)’s SU Futsal Fiesta on Saturday, Mahloof stated that the sand grounds in front of Maafannu “Vilee Fulus” are to be developed into a futsal stadium as part of the government’s development plan for the sports community.

This comes at a time the sports community has been urging the government to build a turf ground in the region, to which Mahloof replied that it wouldn’t be possible to play futsal even if they lay turf in the region.

Mahloof further said that he has been under fire in issues relating to development of the sports sector. He however added that the government prioritizes the growth of sports in the country and that they are working to develop sports facilities within the government’s tenure.

The ministry has recently been active in contracting companies with equipping and constructing several sports facilities nationwide.