Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu represented the Maldives at the Intergovernmental Ministerial Meeting on Anti-Doping in Sport, held in Dubai from June 17 to 18.

The meeting brought together more than 80 anti-doping leaders from 33 countries across Asia and Oceania, including sports ministers and representatives from national and regional anti-doping organisations. Delegates from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) also participated.

The forum aimed to strengthen cross-border cooperation, share best practices, and promote collective efforts to safeguard the integrity of sport in the region.

Photo: Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation

The UAE government, in hosting the meeting, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing anti-doping efforts at both national and international levels.

This marked the second time the UAE has hosted the event, having previously held the 17th edition in 2022. The 19th edition was held in Uzbekistan, drawing participation from ministers and sports officials from 38 countries.