Construction Begins on Maldives' First National Futsal Arena in Hulhumalé

Work on the National Futsal Arena, to be built in Hulhumalé Third Avenue, officially began today. The project has been handed over to Leo Trading Private Limited, which has been contracted with a 720-day period to complete the entire work. The initiative comes amid widespread complaints over the lack of an indoor futsal arena in the Maldives, where futsal is currently played entirely on outdoor pitches. Despite futsal being one of the most popular sports in the country, the national team has faced a major problem over the lack of an indoor facility. The Maldives national futsal team won the SAFF Futsal Championship trophy this year and also recently competed in a tournament in China, producing good results. The arena being built in Hulhumalé is a multi-level indoor facility rising to a height of 21 metres. The Sports Ministry has said the arena will be designed in accordance with international FIFA standards. It will include five courts of international standard, with the ground floor housing the match court as well as a total of four practice courts. According to the Ministry, the futsal courts will be built using FIFA-standard cushioned vinyl flooring over shock-absorbing material. Modern flooring will be used that reduces light reflection on the courts and protects players from injuries. The main match court will have a spectator stand with seating for 900 people, along with ticket counters and concession stands. The second floor will feature a special VIP lounge and eight corporate boxes. The arena's design also includes separate special doors for players and officials to enter and exit, team locker rooms, washrooms and other facilities, a kit room, a players' lounge, a medical and doping control room, as well as a multipurpose training hall and administrative offices. To allocate land for the complex dedicated to futsal, the Sports Ministry, the Finance Ministry and HDC signed an agreement on 24 February last year.