The government will expand its Arutha sports scholarship scheme to cover athletes’ tuition fees, Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu said.
Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office yesterday, Minister Rafiu said the programme had previously focused only on the costs of high-performance training.
The rules governing the Arutha programme have now been gazetted, and a dedicated Arutha Committee has been formed to select athletes and oversee decisions under the new framework, he said.
Minister Rafiu said one of the scheme’s key objectives is to ensure that students who excel in sports are able to continue their education without disruption.
“Why should children play sports well in the Maldives?” the minister asked, addressing a frequently raised concern. “To answer that question, we have to provide scholarships to children who pursue sports.”
Under the revised rules, scholarships will now cover educational expenses in addition to training costs. The Arutha Scholarship is intended to support students in grades nine and 10 who may need to relocate abroad or to Male' for specialised training.
Minister Rafiu said several sports associations have already submitted names of athletes for consideration, and some students have begun receiving opportunities under the scheme.
He described the move as a significant step forward for the future development of sport in the Maldives.
