Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu has announced that a National Sports Fund will be established as a key initiative to advance sports in Maldives. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting held earlier this month, following President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's consultations.

Speaking on PSM News' Hafthaa 52 programme, Minister Rafiu explained the fund will focus on identifying medal-winning athletes and determining necessary investments and support from associations.

Speaking further, the Minister stated that the Government has also included plans for a ‘High-Performance Centre’ in the 2025 budget, marking progress on a long-awaited project for the nation's sporting development.

The long-term sports strategy, developed with input from international experts and local sports associations, addresses administrative gaps in the sector. Related governance improvements have been forwarded to the Attorney General's Office for legal framework development, with expectations of reaching Parliament this session.

Increases and standardisation of salaries for athletes and sports officials are also included in the budget, in line with the President's electoral pledge.