President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the First Amendment to Act No. 30/2015 (Maldives Sports Act), a significant step forward in the development and governance of sports in the Maldives.
The ratification ceremony was held this morning at the President’s Office.
The newly ratified amendments introduce key reforms aimed at strengthening the national sports framework, enhancing inclusivity, and decentralising authority. The major provisions include:
- Decentralisation of sports development:* Empowering atoll and island-level authorities to take an active role in advancing sports at the local level.
- Formation of regional sports associations:* Establishing regional associations for each sport across the country, with the introduction of regional tournaments to foster talent and competition nationwide.
- Creation of a dedicated Sports Fund:* Launching a specialised fund to provide financial support for the growth and sustainability of the sports sector.
- Recognition of the Maldives Paralympic Committee:* Acknowledging the Committee as an independent legal entity with full authority, operating on par with the Maldives Olympic Committee.
- Establishing special divisions under the Maldives Paralympic Committee:* Creating divisions within sports associations to promote inclusivity.
- Establishment of the Maldives National Anti-Doping Agency:* Creating an independent legal body to uphold integrity, fairness, and equality in sports by overseeing and implementing anti-doping measures.
- Introduction of a sports arbitration system:* Mandating the creation and implementation of a legal mechanism to safeguard athletes’ rights and ensure justice in sports-related disputes.
- Creating opportunities for school sports to be organised and conducted systematically:* 'Inter-Scholastic' sports associations and clubs will be established and operate under this law.
In addition to these major reforms, the Amendment introduces several other measures aimed at further strengthening the institutional framework of the Maldivian sports sector and promoting sustainable development.
During the ceremony, President Dr Muizzu also addressed the media, providing insights into the objectives and anticipated benefits of the Amendment for the citizens and the broader sporting landscape.
The bill was passed during the 26th sitting of the first session of the 2025 parliamentary term on Monday, May 5, 2025.
Following its ratification, the Amendment has been published in the Government Gazette and has now come into legal effect.
