The synthetic track in Hulhumale' will be rebuilt to meet World Athletics standards, Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu said yesterday.

Speaking at the “Ahaa” forum, where Ministers answer public questions, Minister Rafiu said the existing track needed to be replaced rather than repaired because it does not meet World Athletics standards.

He said results recorded at competitions held on the current track would not be recognised internationally, regardless of how fast an athlete ran.

“So we have to build the track to the level that World Athletics accepts, so the results our athletes achieve will be accepted,” he said.

Minister Rafiu said the existing track would have to be removed and replaced with a full polyurethane (PU) synthetic track.

“Therefore, the work of laying a synthetic track of full polyurethane [material] is hopefully underway. God willing, the work will begin from 1 October [Thursday],” he said.

The Minister said the necessary materials had been ordered and detailed drawings for the project had been completed.

He said the two existing synthetic tracks in the Malé area use different systems. The track at the Maafannu stadium is a spray-coated surface, while the Hulhumalé track is a “sandwich” system.

“Then the best option is to build a full PU [polyurethane] track,” Rafiu said.

The work is expected to begin next month and be completed by February next year.

Minister Rafiu also said construction of a synthetic track in Haa Dhaalu Kulhudhuffushi was under way and would be completed early next year.

Construction of synthetic tracks in Gaafu Dhaalu Thinadhoo, Fuvahmulah City and Hithadhoo, Addu City, under an Indian line of credit, is also expected to begin this year, he said.