The government aims to develop the Laamu Gan Zone Stadium to AFC Cup standards, says Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Ahmed Mahloof.

The turf-layering work of the zone stadium in Gan island of Laamu atoll was completed and the stadium was officially inaugurated on Thursday by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who inaugurated several other development projects in the island during his visit.

Minister Mahloof and MP for Gan constituency, Mohamed Wisam participated in the event alongside the president.

Speaking during the ceremony, Minister Mahloof noted that AFC Cup matches have been held in the country’s capital, Malé City until now and that it is time to change that, as the government aims to develop AFC Cup standard stadiums across outlying atolls as well.

In this regard the government developed the zone stadium in Gan island, with the purpose to host AFC Cup matches there, said Mahloof, who added that fences and lighting systems will be planted and a rostrum will also be established, in the coming days.

Maldives secured the bid to host AFC Cup Group E matches earlier, however, this year’s edition of the AFC Cup was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Further speaking during Thursday’s ceremony, the minister stated that the incumbent administration’s efforts to develop sports facilities and promote activities across outlying atolls has been steady, and noted that work has been ongoing to develop quality football and futsal grounds, volleyball courts as well as other different facilities across the capital and outlying islands.

Developing quality football stadiums across 100 islands was included in President Solih’s electoral pledges and the Gan Zone Stadium is the eighth turf ground developed by the Solih administration.

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) was contracted with leveling the grounds of the stadium for MVR 2.59 million, while AMIN Construction Company was tasked with laying turf in the grounds for a total of MVR 4.36 million.

With the government expanding efforts to develop football pitches across different parts of Maldives, the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) has revealed that preparations are currently underway to host the Dhivehi Premier League 2023-2024, on a home-and-away basis.

Speaking during Thursday’s event, the president highlighted that the newly established football stadium in Gan island that meets FIFA standards in the atoll reflects on the government’s purpose to decentralize sports by facilitating large-scale sports events and activities nationwide.