Runners Decry Use of Malé Synthetic Track for Government Ceremony

National athletes and runners in the Maldives are facing difficulties after a stage was set up on Malé's synthetic outdoor track for the inauguration ceremony of the "National Project for Paying Respect," scheduled for Saturday night by the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Heritage. With the Hulhumalé synthetic track closed for development to international standard, Malé's track is the only remaining facility for national athletes, academy children and general runners. A large part of the area, including the running track, has been occupied for the event. Runners have raised concerns on social media, saying the arrangement causes extreme harm to training and creates major hardship for academies and those holding sports events. Previously, large music shows and functions at the Hulhumalé synthetic track damaged that facility, and it has now been closed to lay a new synthetic track. A well-known Maldivian runner told Sun that the government is unaware of some of the struggles athletes face, and that holding such an event without respect for runners cannot be accepted. Many runners are currently training for the Dhiraagu Road Race, and they said the matter has been shared with relevant parties but no one has taken responsibility. Maldives running legend Naseer Ismail held a 30-minute live session on social media strongly criticising the government's actions, saying this is not something people who love sports would do. The article notes that although the government came to power with slogans of building a "healthy Maldives," athletes preparing for competitive tournaments and young runners are disappointed by the difficulties they face one after another. It adds that safeguarding and sustainably maintaining basic sports facilities is not the responsibility of the Ministry of Sports alone but is connected to the future of the entire nation.