The Parliament has passed an amendment to the Sports Act requiring the establishment of a national sports fund within 60 days of the law coming into force.

The amendment, submitted on behalf of the Government by Dhidhdhoo MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed, was passed with 70 votes in favour following approval by the Parliament’s Social Affairs Committee.

The amendment is part of a broader effort to improve the governance and development of the sports sector in the Maldives. It introduces new provisions regulating the Maldives National Institute of Sports and outlines the roles and responsibilities of national sports associations, federations, and related committees.

The most significant change introduced by the bill is the creation of a national sports fund. The fund is intended to ensure that resources received from both domestic and international sources for the operation, maintenance, and development of sports infrastructure are properly managed and invested.

The fund will serve several purposes, including the provision of financial support to Maldivian sports through a transparent policy, assistance for the capacity development of individuals and organisations engaged in sports, and investment in the expansion and improvement of sports facilities.

According to the legislation, the fund will receive a designated allocation from the State budget. Additionally, any profits generated through sports activities conducted by the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation must be deposited into the fund.

The fund is to be administered independently from other Government financial mechanisms. The legislation explicitly prohibits the use of money from the fund to address the broader fiscal needs of the State, facilitating the dedicated use of its resources for supporting and developing the sports sector.