Minister of Sports, Fitness, and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu has described the Athletes' Forum as a valuable platform for empowering Maldivian athletes, underscoring its role in fostering peer support, professional growth and motivation within the sporting community at the second Athletes' Forum, organised by the Maldives Olympic Committee (MOCE).

The event, held under the theme “Own Your Story,” brought together more than 80 athletes from 17 sporting disciplines. According to the Minister, forums of this nature enable participants to share lived experiences, exchange practical knowledge, and build confidence, ultimately contributing to improved performance and long-term athletic development. He noted that the discussions and interactions provide athletes with an opportunity to strengthen their mindset while also encouraging a culture of collaboration across sports.

The programme featured multiple sessions, including one focused on mental health education, where athletes received guidance on psychological preparation ahead of competitions, managing stress, and developing coping strategies during high-pressure situations. Additional components covered communication skills, rehabilitation practices and physical recovery methods relevant to competitive sports.

Participants also shared personal experiences relating to training, competition and injury recovery, with the sessions aimed at encouraging openness and dialogue around both achievements and challenges. Organisers stated that the forum is intended to take place biennially to enhance support systems available to Maldivian athletes.

The Maldives Olympic Committee noted that the forum aligns with ongoing initiatives to improve athlete welfare, create awareness on regulatory compliance, and strengthen professional support mechanisms within the sporting sector.