President Muizzu Targets Tobacco-Free National Teams to Boost Athlete Performance

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has called for a coordinated effort between the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness and sports associations to ensure all athletes representing the Maldives in national teams are entirely free from tobacco use. The initiative aligns with the government's broader Generational Tobacco Ban policy implemented late last year, which aims to cultivate a healthier, tobacco-free population. On August 18, the Cabinet formally designated national team athletes as a protected group, signaling a strategic shift toward prioritizing the respiratory and physical health of the country's top competitors. Speaking on PSM News’ 'Nation Chat' programme, President Muizzu emphasized that achieving this target requires more than just mandates. He stressed the need for the sports ministry to work closely with athletic associations to create incentives and support systems that make it easier for athletes to quit nicotine and resist tobacco use. “We want athletes who are free from tobacco use to be part of all our national teams,” the President stated. He noted that the objective is not merely about compliance, but about enhancing the actual performance and longevity of Maldivian athletes on the international stage. The government believes that by targeting elite athletes, the initiative will serve as a catalyst for the broader youth population to abandon tobacco. The President expressed confidence that with collective determination and commitment, the Maldives can significantly improve the health outcomes of its young people. To support this transition, the Cabinet recently decided to establish specific performance targets and launch an expanded national awareness campaign. This campaign will leverage youth associations across various islands and sports-active groups to educate the public on the dangers of nicotine and the long-term benefits of a tobacco-free lifestyle. By integrating public health goals with sporting excellence, the administration aims to set a new standard for athletic health in the Maldives.