Over 3,000 Children Compete in Restructured 38th National Quran Recitation Competition

The 38th National Quran Recitation Competition has concluded following a significant overhaul of its structure, marking one of the most inclusive and competitive iterations of the event to date. In a departure from previous years, the competition introduced a comprehensive audition phase to ensure wider accessibility across the archipelago. Auditions were conducted in Male' and across 21 islands, attracting a total of 3,050 children. Of these, 2,742 participants recited during the initial rounds, with 379 students advancing to the semi-finals. From the semi-final stage, 140 students progressed to the final round. According to the National Centre for the Holy Quran, 138 finalists ultimately performed during the concluding ceremonies held at the Salman Mosque on Wednesday and Thursday. To enhance the prestige and fairness of the event, the National Centre introduced new judging protocols. Two separate panels oversaw the semi-final and final rounds, each featuring an expert with international-level experience in Quranic recitation. The competition is divided into two primary categories: recitation with the Quran and recitation without looking (memorisation), both further split by age groups. Judges will select first, second, and third-place winners for each category. Overall winners for the memorisation and recitation-without-looking categories will receive a special prize from President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Under the direction of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, the event has been repositioned as the most prestigious competition of its kind in the Maldives. To ensure its sustainability and growth, the President has mandated that the competition be funded directly from the state budget. This shift has allowed for a substantial increase in prize amounts, with first-place winners across all three categories receiving special scholarships from the President.