The "Mihaaru World Cup Guide," prepared by "Mihaaru" newspaper specially for the FIFA World Cup scheduled to be held this year, was launched today by Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu.
The Maldivian linesman Mohamed Saeed, who served as an assistant referee in the 2002 World Cup, also participated in the ceremony held this evening at the Artificial Beach.
Speaking at the book launching ceremony, Minister Rafiu noted that even before the establishment of "Mihaaru" newspaper, its management's previous publication, "Haveeru" newspaper, had been compiling a special edition for every World Cup since the 1986 tournament, which he highlighted as a notable effort.
He stated that whether it was a supplement or a book released for each subsequent World Cup, the management of "Mihaaru" has continued to publish it better and with more information than the supplement of the preceding World Cup. Rafiu also noted that expanding the work of the special edition compiled for the World Cup and transitioning it from a supplement into a book since the 1998 World Cup was a commendable development.
"In this endeavor as well, (the 'Mihaaru' team) continues to expand the information from year to year and from one World Cup to the next," Rafiu said.
"...Therefore, this work is something through which we receive information about this football season very well, and in the light of that information, we also get involved and do this with great excitement and enthusiasm. Hence, bringing this information in such a rich manner and delivering it to us in the form of this book is something we are profoundly grateful for."
In his speech, "Mihaaru" Editor Ahmed Hamdhoon highlighted the work done by the writers of "Mihaaru" to compile the special guide for the World Cup. Hamdhoon also praised the efforts made by the marketing team of "Mihaaru" to secure advertisements and market the book, even during an economically difficult period.
"Mihaaru" Sports Editor Mohamed Hamdhoon, who led the compilation of the book, stated that unlike the magazines released for the World Cups of other years, priority was given to compiling the book in a manner that relates as closely as possible to the Maldives.
A score chart is also included with the book, which was prepared by "Mihaaru" for free distribution. Following the launch of the book, copies of the book and the score chart were distributed to the public who gathered at the venue.
An online edition dedicated to the World Cup is also featured on the "Mihaaru" website.
This time, 48 teams will compete in the World Cup. Hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, this tournament marks the first World Cup to be held simultaneously across three countries.
The tournament will begin next Thursday night, and the final match will take place on the 19th of next July.
