Mihaaru newspaper launched a brand new sports award late Wednesday by the name of “Mihaaru Awards” in appreciation of the achievements of sportspeople, coaches, referees and other contributors to local sports.
The awards were inaugurated in a special launching ceremony held at Hotel Jen in capital Male.
The sports categories of the Mihaaru Awards include football, volleyball and individual sports such as athletics, table tennis, swimming and badminton. This marks the first sports awards that include individual sports to be launched in the Maldives.
The halt of the prestigious sports awards previously held annually had come as a disheartening blow to the sports industry, according to a number of sportspeople. The launch of Mihaaru Awards brings the hope of recognition and appreciation to sportsmen and sportswomen in the Maldives again.
An official of Mihaaru declared that the Mihaaru Awards is a new venture into contributing and appreciating the field of sports in the Maldives. He declared that the team behind the previous prestigious sports awards which were held for the past 20 years will move ahead, aiming for greater progress with Mihaaru Awards, with a new spirit based on the light of past experience.
“With this beginning, every year of local sports will end with a colourful night of joy and impeccable awards. With the birth of new stars and new names. With lessons learned from veterans of the past,” declared Mihaaru.
The new Mihaaru Awards will present awards for 24 categories, thus making it the largest sports award in the Maldives. These awards include:
Golden Boot – Top scorer during the year's football season
Football Player of the Year – including two runners up
Most Promising Football Player - top player under 21 years
Volleyball Player of the Year – including two runners up for Men’s and Women’s
Most Promising Volleyball Player – top player under 21 years for Men’s and Women’s
Individual Sports Awards – combining athletics, swimming, table tennis and badminton, the awards include first place and two runners-up
Special Recognition Awards – for achievements in international competitions
Mohamed Zahir Naseer Award – the Lifetime Achievement Award, in honour of the late Mohamed Zahir Naseer who contributed to Maldivian sports for 50 years
Coach of the Year – combines all sports categories
Referee of the Year – combines all sports categories
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