Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu has stated that work is underway to establish 186 outdoor gyms and 172 Fitness and Recreation Centres (FRCs) across the Maldives, with the nationwide initiative targeted for completion within two years.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office, Minister Rafiu provided an update on the progress of the programme, which aims to expand access to sports and recreational facilities in all inhabited islands.

According to the Minister, 186 outdoor gyms are being developed under the project. Of these, 15 have been completed, while construction is currently ongoing at 130 sites. Work on a further 38 outdoor gyms is scheduled to commence later this year.

An assessment conducted by the Ministry identified the need to establish 172 new Fitness and Recreation Centres nationwide. Minister Rafiu said six fitness and recreation centers have already been completed, with construction currently in progress at 149 locations. Work on the remaining 17 centres is expected to begin this year.

The Minister noted that the Government aims to complete the majority of the projects by the end of this year. Once construction is finalised, arrangements will be made to supply necessary equipment and materials to the facilities simultaneously to ensure operational readiness.

In addition to the outdoor gyms and fitness and recreation centres, Minister Rafiu said a total of 879 sports-related projects are being implemented across the country, with projects currently at various stages of development. He assured that efforts are ongoing to complete the initiatives in line with the Government’s agenda to strengthen sports infrastructure nationwide.