Imma becomes Maldives’ second AVC-certified beach volleyball referee

Coach Ismail Abdulla (Imma) has been appointed as a beach volleyball referee by the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC), marking the end of a seven-year journey from candidate to certified official.

Imma earned the accreditation last week after completing the number of international matches required by AVC. Reflecting on his achievement, he described the path as challenging but deeply rewarding.

“The journey took seven years; a very long time. But I made it with the support of some incredible people,” he said.

While Maldives has a strong pool of indoor volleyball referees, the country still lacks technical expertise in beach volleyball.

However, officials from both the AVC and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) have repeatedly highlighted Maldives’ potential to become a regional hub for the sport.

Imma is only the second Maldivian to be certified as an AVC beach volleyball referee. He began his career in indoor volleyball, having completed an indoor refereeing course and officiated several matches before shifting his focus to beach volleyball in 2018.

“I used to referee indoor volleyball, but once I specialized in beach volleyball, I focused solely on that,” he said.

Opportunities for indoor referees are more frequent in tournaments held outside Male', but Imma remained committed to his path, officiating in four AVC junior tournaments.

“If you do something with passion, you have to stay focused and persevere,” he said.

Imma credited his success to the unwavering support of his mother, wife, aunt Rushma, uncle, coach Ibrahim Jaleel (Jalla), stepfather, and Volleyball Association of Maldives (VAM) President Mohamed Latheef. He also thanked former VAM president and current state minister for youth, sports and community empowerment, Mohamed Riyaz.

He paid tribute to Hussain Mohamed, the only Maldivian referee currently holding an FIVB beach volleyball badge.

“Hussain is a fatherly figure who encouraged and mentored me,” said Imma, who officiated both the men’s and women’s finals at the 2019 Indian Ocean Island Games in Mauritius, as second referee.

He also refereed an exhibition match held in his honor during former FIVB president Ary Graça Filho’s visit to Maldives.

Imma now hopes to follow in Hussain’s footsteps and earn the FIVB badge, the highest level of recognition in international beach volleyball officiating.

Hussain praised Imma’s determination but deflected any credit towards him.

“This is Imma’s own work. Even though he mentions my name, I don’t deserve any credit. His success is the result of his patience and persistence,” Hussain said.

“I’m proud that another beach volleyball referee from Maldives has reached this level. I hope Imma will earn the FIVB badge soon and that others will soon follow.”