First Lady Opens BML Raajje Junior Netball Championship to Nurture Youth Talent

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed officially inaugurated the Bank of Maldives (BML) Raajje Junior Netball Championship 2026 during a ceremony held Sunday afternoon at the Male' Social Centre Indoor Hall. Marking the start of the competition, the First Lady signed the official tournament ball and spent time greeting the players and officials from the competing teams. The event underscores a national commitment to fostering athletic development among Maldivian youth. The opening match featured a dominant performance by Huravee School, which defeated Jamaluddin School with a decisive 23–3 victory. The game was contested over four seven-minute quarters, showcasing the agility and skill of the junior athletes. Following the final whistle, the First Lady presented the 'Queen of the Match' award to Huravee School's Aminath Thuga. Organized by the Netball Association of Maldives, the tournament was previously known as the Inter-School Netball Tournament. The rebranding to the BML Raajje Junior Championship 2026 reflects an expanded vision to promote and develop netball talent across the archipelago. The competition is divided into two age brackets to ensure fair and competitive play. Currently, 14 teams are vying for the title in the Under-15 division, while 11 teams are competing in the Under-17 category. The opening ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness Abdulla Rafiu, and Bank of Maldives Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Mohamed Shareef, alongside representatives from the Netball Association of Maldives.