The Maldivian Parliament has passed a significant amendment to the Sports Act mandating the creation of a National Sports Fund within 60 days of the law’s enactment, marking a major step toward reforming and strengthening the country’s sports sector.
The amendment, submitted on behalf of the government by Dhidhdhoo MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed, was approved with unanimous support from 70 lawmakers. The bill had previously gained the backing of the Parliament’s Social Affairs Committee.
At the heart of the amendment is the establishment of the National Sports Fund—a dedicated financial mechanism aimed at ensuring sustainable investment in Maldivian sports. The fund is expected to streamline the use of both domestic and international resources for the development, maintenance, and promotion of sports infrastructure and programs.
According to the legislation, the fund will receive allocations directly from the state budget, and all profits generated through activities conducted by the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation must also be deposited into it. Crucially, the law stipulates that the fund must be administered independently, with a strict clause prohibiting its use for broader state financial needs. This provision is intended to guarantee that the fund remains exclusively focused on the advancement of sports in the country.
Beyond the creation of the fund, the amendment introduces new regulatory frameworks for the Maldives National Institute of Sports. It also clarifies the mandates of national sports associations, federations, and various sports-related committees, setting the foundation for more coordinated governance and capacity building across the sector.
The National Sports Fund will support multiple initiatives, including transparent financial assistance for athletes and sports organizations, skills development programs, and infrastructure enhancement projects. Lawmakers and officials hope this focused investment will lead to better opportunities for athletes and foster a more robust sports ecosystem in the Maldives.
With the amendment now passed, the government is under a 60-day deadline to operationalize the fund—an undertaking that is expected to usher in a new era for sports development across the country.
