National athletes, officials to receive insurance starting next year

Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu, on Tuesday, revealed that a proposal has been put forth to give insurance for national athletes and officials starting next year, and thus, to include allocations in the state budget accordingly.

This marks the first time athletes will receive insurance.

While speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office on Tuesday, Minister Rafiu said insurance is first being rolled out for national athletes and officials included in the teams of these athletes. He noted that the initiative might not be implemented in the easiest or most ideal manner at initial commencement which, he said is why, the focus is initially on national athletes.

Minister Rafiu also revealed plans to expand the initiative in the future following commencement next year.

As per the Minister, it has already been proposed to include insurance for athletes in next year’s budget.

“We have already proposed to include funds in 2025’s budget to provide insurance for athletes and officials. Hopefully, arrangements to provide insurance for our national athletes and officials will be made for next year, “he said.

Notably, Maldivian athletes compete in international tournaments including the Olympics.

However, the athletes and the officials accompanying them abroad have not been provided any sort of insurance by the government previously.

At Tuesday’s press conference, Minister Rafiu also affirmed that the current administration is undertaking significant efforts to improve the sports sector.