Hulhumalé to Get New International-Standard Athletics Track by January

Hulhumalé will see the construction of a new synthetic athletics track meeting international standards, with work scheduled to begin on October 1. The project aims to provide Maldivian athletes with a facility that allows their performances to be officially recognized globally. Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness, Abdulla Rafiu, announced the initiative during the PSM "Ahaa" forum. He explained that the current synthetic track in Hulhumalé Phase One, built during the administration of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, has deteriorated significantly, creating obstacles for athletes training in the area. Beyond the physical decay, Minister Rafiu highlighted a critical regulatory gap: the existing track was not constructed to World Athletics standards. Under current international rules, records set on non-approved surfaces are not officially recognized. This limitation has hindered local athletes from achieving certified times and distances necessary for international competition and rankings. To resolve this, the Ministry will completely replace the synthetic surface and rebuild the track to ensure full compliance with World Athletics specifications. The Minister confirmed that the project is expected to be completed by January next year, ensuring a swift transition for the sporting community. “We need to build the track to a standard recognised by World Athletics, so that the results achieved by our athletes can be recognised,” Minister Rafiu stated, emphasizing the necessity of the full reconstruction. In addition to the Hulhumalé project, the Minister revealed that the government is also exploring efforts to upgrade the synthetic track in Malé to international standards. These combined developments signal a broader strategy to modernize sports infrastructure across the capital region, providing athletes with the tools required to compete on the world stage.