Sports Minister affirms govt. will provide training and other support for athletes

Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu states Maldives’ sports outlook has changed, adding athletes will be provided support with respect to their training and other matters.

Speaking at a ceremony held at Social Centre on Friday evening to congratulate table tennis player. Fathimath Dheema Ali, who has made history by becoming the first Maldivian athlete to qualify for Olympics – Minister Rafiu said President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has formulated a long-term plan to develop the Maldivian sports sector.

He detailed that athletes will be provided support on various fronts under this plan. They will also be facilitated scholarship opportunities, he added.

“Whether be it services required by you athletes, treatment when ill, diet management, strengthening mentality or fitness – we have commenced efforts to train people in these specialties,” he said.

Minister Rafiu said these efforts were being undertaken to take athletes from their current level, to one that is even higher.

Commenting on Dheema’s success, the Minister said it all comes down to hard work and perseverance. Underscoring her parents are behind Dheema’s success, he extended gratitude to them.

The Minister also recognized the efforts by the table tennis team.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has also congratulated Dheema on her outstanding achievement and assured his full support for this opportunity to compete in the Olympics.

A total of 206 nations will participate in this year’s Olympics which will be held in French capital Paris from July 26 to August 11.