Ibu pledges to establish sports council in every island

Opposition coalition's presidential candidate Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (Ibu) pledged to establish a sports council in every island should he win the upcoming presidential election.

Amidst revealing the opposition coalition's sports policy, Ibu pledged to appoint and tutor sports professionals to supplement all sports activities conducted on every island.

Ibu highlighted the importance of the independent availability of health and fitness facilities on all islands in a decentralized system of ruling. In this, Ibu pledged to designate accommodating spaces for exercise and fitness on all inhabited islands.

While speaking at an opposition coalition campaign stop in Naifaru, Lhaviyani Atoll, Ibu also congratulated the Maldives National Football Team for winning the Saff Suzuki Championship, adding that their success should be celebrated.

Furthermore, Ibu vowed to audit all sports facilities in the Maldives within the first three months of his contingent regime, and to make necessary renovations. Additionally, he highlighted his plans to develop sports facilities which will be made available throughout the Maldives.

Highlights of the opposition coalition's sports policy:

- Develop sports arenas of international standard in capital Male to encourage sports.

- Develop two swimming pools in the Greater Male area.

- Assemble a football league in order to cater to Maldivians' love of football

- Organize more swimming events including international competitions.

Ibu also shed light on the importance that should be given to national level players of all sports who represent the country overseas. Extending this, he emphasized the importance of availing a health programme to all national level players, as well as provide them with financial support.

"In an opposition coalition-led government, we will also eliminate the difference of allowances given to male and female athletes", said Ibu.

Concluding his speech, he highlighted the importance of reinforcing all sports associations as well as providing financial support for them. Stating the culpability of the dismissal of these associations in the ruling government, Ibu assured the reinstatement of all sports associations and advance all sports centres with state-of-the-art equipment.