Sports associations and coaches have raised concerns over changes to the inter-school sports tournament, including a new name and revised age eligibility.

The Ministry of Education has introduced the changes across all school sports competitions. Under the new rules, only students in grade 7 and above, typically aged 14 and over will be eligible to participate.

A Sports Ministry official told Mihaaru News that discussions are ongoing between associations and the education ministry to find a solution.

Carrom coach Aminath Shuba Adam said the changes would significantly affect participation, particularly at junior levels.

“Carrom used to be an under-12 category aimed at students in grades 5 and 6. Talented younger players could also compete with permission from schools and parents,” she said.

“Most grade 10 students do not participate as it is their O-level exam year.”

She expressed concern that the under-12 category, one of the most competitive in carrom, would no longer be  part of the inter-school tournament.

Shuba said younger students currently training would face long delays before competing.

“Students now in grade 4 will have to wait another two years. Those who worked towards competing last year are now in grades 5 and 6 and will miss out,” she said.

She also criticised the renaming of the tournament to the “Raajje Junior Championship”.

“This erases the history of inter-school competitions across many sports. There is already a Junior National Championship, and this change does not add value or progress the tournament,” she said.

Other coaches echoed similar concerns. A coach from Sports Nature Swimming Club said younger swimmers preparing for inter-school competition could lose opportunities under the new system.

However, some educators pointed to potential benefits.

Thoha Saleem, principal of Ghiyasuddin International School, said he had discussed the changes with an education ministry official and understood the rationale behind them.

He said schools face increasing demands from various organisations to include activities in the academic calendar, which can affect teaching time and student learning.

“The ministry has not said sports negatively impact results,” Thoha said. “Based on available information, they are working towards a more sustainable model.”

He expressed hope that any revised system would ultimately benefit both student-athletes and the development of sport in Maldives.