The Badminton Association of Maldives (BAM) has been temporarily stripped of its national status following its failure to hold executive elections, which were due more than a year ago.

The term of the Association’s Executive Committee officially ended on March 11,  2024. However, no elections have since been held, leading to administrative intervention. As a result, BAM will remain suspended until a new committee is elected and governance reforms are implemented.

In the meantime, members of the outgoing Executive Committee have been barred from conducting any transactions or making decisions on behalf of the Association. Authorities have declared any such actions by former committee members invalid from this point forward.

Despite the suspension, Maldivian badminton players and officials will continue to represent the country in both local and international events. The decision is intended to address governance failures without disrupting athlete participation.

According to the Maldives Olympic Committee (MOC), the suspension follows multiple unsuccessful attempts to resolve internal issues and push for elections within the Association. The MOC cited ongoing non-cooperation and irreparable harm to the sport’s governance as key reasons behind the move.

In response, a three-member ad-hoc committee will be appointed under MOC supervision to oversee necessary reforms. The committee will revise BAM’s bylaws and organise elections for a new Executive Committee. This work is expected to be completed within 45 days, after which authority will be transferred to the newly elected leadership.