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Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment heads out surfing

Ahmed Aiham
10 December 2018, MVT 11:51
Minister of Youth Ahmed Mahloof (L), catching a wave with local bodyboarding champion Ali Khushruwan 'Kuda Ayya' at legendary surf spot 'Raalhugandu' Male' city. PHOTO: AHMED HAMDHOON/MIHAARU
Ahmed Aiham
10 December 2018, MVT 11:51

Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Ahmed Mahloof paddled out with international medalists and Maldives' most celebrated in bodyboarding and surfing, as a show of support to the profession.

Speaking to bodyboarders Ali Khushruwan, Ali Javed and surfer Hussain Areef, Minister Mahloof made assurances that the ministry would provide complete support towards creating future champions of watersports in Maldives.

The minister also expressed his enjoyment of the time with the celebrated sportsmen.

Minister Mahloof (Second Left) poses with from left to right; Ali Javed (Jatte), Ali Khushruwan (Kuda Ayya), Hussein Areef (Iboo) and on the far right, Mohamed Shifaz (Thuthu).

"We are here with the guarantee to support people with talent. We are also ready to produce champions in watersports in the future," he said.

Local bodyboarding champion Khushruwan called the opportunity to have the Minister for Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment come out for a surf " an honour", adding his wishes that Minister Mahloof might join them for more sessions in the future.

The former footballer has spent an extensive amount of time interacting with athletes and sports-related entities since his recent ministerial appointment by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

President Solih has also committed to providing a minimum of MVR 5000 as a salary for all national team athletes as part of his '100-day' pledges. The new administration has also allocated a minimum annual budget of MVR 500,000 for all sports associations.

In addition, the President pledged to start the construction of an Olympic sized swimming pool complex in his first '100-day' pledges.

The Maldives Surfing Association (MSA) recently held their annual general meeting during which a new President and Chairperson were elected. Listings of activities and competitions that the MSA will participate in or endorse is set to be announced in the early part of 2019.

However, MSA has confirmed that preparations are underway to send four participants to compete in the category of surfing at Tokyo Olympics 2020.

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