Infrastructure development in the Maldivian sports sector reached a key milestone in Alifu Alifu atoll Ukulhas, following the formal launch of a multi-sport complex and the completion of a modern outdoor volleyball facility.
The initiative aligns with this administration’s broader economic and social policy to decentralize sports infrastructure and boost regional development across the atolls.
Foundation Laid for Ukulhas Sports Complex
It was reported on Wednesday, that work has now officially begun on the Ukulhas Sports Complex. This was marked by a foundation stone-laying ceremony. High-ranking government officials along with the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports, and Fitness Abdulla Rafiu attended the ceremony. Additionally, Ukulhas Council President Ali Waheed, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed also attended.
The event was also graced by Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, and even the Speaker of Parliament Abdul Raheem Abdulla.
MACL was awarded the development contract for the complex during President Muizzu’s visit to the island back in August 2023. Designed as a multi-purpose indoor facility, the complex will feature:
- An indoor gymnasium and a dedicated women’s fitness room
- Dedicated facilities for board games and multi-sport indoor event spaces
- Executive meeting and administrative facilities
The project is one cog to the current government’s wider vision for nationwide expenditure of sports infrastructure. This administration is aiming on developing these facilities up to international standards.
Capital Investment in Outdoor Sports Facilities
Concurrent to this, government also announced completion and official opening of a new outdoor volleyball court on the island.
The project of this court began on July 16 and was awarded to Proxy Group Private Limited. The total investment of this initiative was USD 88,143.
The facility was inaugurated with a friendly exhibition match to test the new night-lighting system. According to the ministry, similar volleyball infrastructure projects are currently underway across 10 additional islands.