The Maldives has a young population and there is an
inherent understanding of the social benefits and development potential to be
derived from sports. As such sport is given a prominent place in the
Government’s National Framework for Development with an emphasis on the
philosophy of “Sport for All”. For the
benefits of sports to reach all sectors of society broad- community
participation is important. To create lifelong habits of sports participation,
as well as providing opportunities for talented athletes to progress elite
levels, concentration on youth is very essential.
There are currently over 23 sports played in the Maldives.
This includes international and traditional sports. They are governed by
independent sporting associations which receive Government support financially.
The most popular team sports are football, volleyball and
basketball (men and women), netball and cricket, while the most popular
individual sports are athletics, badminton and swimming. Water sports such as
surfing is becoming popular and beach sports is going to be a future
attraction.