India to assist Maldives in establishing fitness and recreation centers in three islands

Equipment required to establish fitness and recreation centers in three islands of the country under free assistance from the Government of India was secured through an MoU signed today between the Government of Maldives and the Government of India. This MoU is a project being implemented under the "High Impact Community Development Projects" (HICDP) which is run under India's Grant Assistance Scheme. At a special ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ithisham Adam signed this MoU on behalf of the Government of Maldives. High Commissioner of India to the Maldives G. Balasubramaniam signed it on behalf of the Government of India. Furthermore, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness Abdullah Raifou signed on behalf of the agency implementing the project. At the ceremony held for signing this agreement, Youth Minister Raifou stated that these centers would create an environment where people in various islands could easily enter for exercise and improving social connections. "This initiative will increase the opportunity for people of all ages, especially women and youth, to participate in sports and recreational activities, paving the way for the well-being of island communities," the minister said. In a post released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding this project, it was stated that this initiative would help support President Muizzu's promise of equal development and healthy living by expanding fitness and recreation facilities in island communities. The Ministry also noted that this is additional assistance expanded to three more islands, in addition to the agreement signed in July this year to implement projects in 42 islands. At today's ceremony, both ministers thanked the Government of India for its continuous assistance in developing island communities across the country. In this regard, Foreign Minister Ithisham has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, as well as High Commissioner Balasubramaniam and his team for their efforts to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.