Government Launches Modern Sports Complex to Boost Athletic Talent in Ukulhas

The Maldivian government has officially commenced construction on a new sports complex in Alifu Alifu Ukulhas, marking a significant step in the administration's push to decentralize athletic infrastructure. The project was launched during a visit to the island by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, with the foundation stone laid by Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness Abdulla Rafiu, MACL CEO Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, and Ukulhas Council President Ali Waheed. Developed by the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), the complex is designed to be a multi-functional hub for community health and elite training. The facility will feature an indoor gym, a dedicated exercise room for women, spaces for board games, and a multi-purpose sports hall, alongside dedicated meeting rooms. This initiative aligns with a broader government strategy to establish international-standard sports facilities across the atolls. By providing high-quality infrastructure outside the capital, the government aims to cultivate a physically active society and create pathways for elite, national-caliber athletes to emerge from the islands. Parallel to the complex, the government has also inaugurated a new outdoor volleyball court in Ukulhas. Developed by Proxy Group Private Limited at a cost of USD 88,143, the court is equipped with modern lighting systems to allow for nighttime matches. The facility's opening was celebrated with a friendly match, signaling the immediate impact of these investments on local youth. The Ukulhas projects are part of a larger national rollout. The government has confirmed that similar volleyball courts are currently being developed on 10 other islands. These efforts, which also prioritize the expansion of football and handball facilities, underscore a commitment to ensuring that sports development is accessible to all citizens, regardless of their geographical location.