President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has said highlighted his administration’s aim to develop the country’s sports infrastructure.

The president said this while speaking at the official inauguration ceremony of the table tennis hall and the national martial arts centre located at Hulhumalé Mini Sports Complex, on Sunday.

Describing the administration’s policy on sports development in the country, he said that the priority “lies in the development of sports infrastructure”.

Solih added that that the administration will assist sports associations and the athletes’ parents in their endeavour to facilitate local and international training and learning opportunities.

Noting that the inauguration of the two new facilities at the Mini Sports Complex is “a golden opportunity for youth to engage in sports”.

Further highlighting that the inauguration of the National Martial Arts Centre marks the formation of a martial arts association in the Maldives, the president said that athletes should strive to represent the Maldives at international sporting tournaments and bring pride to the country once the association gains official recognition.

Also at the ceremony, President Solih called on young athletes “to make the best use of national sporting facilities and the opportunities provided to them through sports associations to strive for victory in international sporting events”.

The president also toured the Hulhumalé Mini Sports Complex on Sunday, and was accompanied by Sports Minister Ahmed Mahloof and other senior officials from various sports associations.