The Maldives is set to benefit from international expertise as the University of Leeds in the UK has offered to assist in training Maldivian athletes for the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu confirmed the development following a recent official visit to the United Kingdom, where he explored new partnerships to elevate the standard of sports in the Maldives. In an interview with state media, Rafiu described the visit as a productive step toward building stronger foundations in football and a wide range of other sports.
During the trip, Minister Rafiu met with key local officials, including the Mayor of Leeds and the Mayor of West Yorkshire. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu also attended the meetings, which focused on enhancing cooperation in sports development. The mayors assured the Maldives of their commitment to support athlete training and capacity building.
A central focus of the visit was a series of discussions with representatives from the University of Leeds. The talks covered technical assistance in several vital areas such as sports medicine, physiotherapy, psychology, and nutrition — all of which are critical to improving athletic performance. The university expressed willingness to provide support through its various departments and faculties.
“These are areas that are often overlooked but are essential for building world-class athletes,” Minister Rafiu said. He noted that Leeds, a city with a strong sporting heritage, is home to Olympic medalists and has a well-developed infrastructure for sports like swimming and athletics — disciplines that are gaining popularity in the Maldives.
Rafiu also emphasized the potential for training Maldivians in coaching and sports science, especially in roles such as strength and conditioning coaches, where technical knowledge can significantly enhance performance.
Highlighting the broader vision of the administration, Rafiu stated that cultivating the right partnerships will unlock new opportunities, especially for youth in football and emerging sports sectors across the country.
The move aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to improve athletic training and infrastructure, as well as to secure international collaborations to uplift the country’s sporting potential ahead of major international competitions like the Commonwealth Games.
