Football Association of Maldives (FAM) introduced 'blind football' in collaboration with the International Blind Sports Federation (ISBA) on November 22.
The inauguration ceremony for the sport was held at FAM, graced by Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Engagement Ahmed Mahloof, FAM's President Bassam Adeel Jaleel, and Maldives Sports Corporation's Managing Director Mauroof Ahmed.
In addition to state representatives, senior officials of the Special Olympics Maldives and Maldives Olympics Committee were also in attendance.
FAM's President Bassam stated that both FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) were placing great importance on the inclusive development of football and noted the launching as a welcome addition to the football 'family' of Maldives.
Bassam highlighted the decision to further develop the sport by training referees and athletes alike. At present, former veteran goalkeepers Mohamed Shinaan and Hussain Habeeb are scheduled to undergo training courses in India during December.
In recent history, Maldives has made considerable leeway within the field of Paralympic sports. The island nation achieved bronze medal finishes in both the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Unified Badminton Championship 2019 and the Special Olympics International Football Championship 2019.
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