Sports.

The Maldives women's chess team has achieved a historic victory by winning the gold medal in Category 'E' at the 46th Chess Olympiad held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. To decentralize sports facilities, the government has announced a project to develop 27 indoor sports complexes across various parts of the Maldives, including the Male' area. Additionally, practical work to completely remove the damaged synthetic track in Hulhumale' Phase 1 and replace it with a World Athletics-certified PU track is scheduled to begin on 1 October 2026 and conclude by January 2027.

On 26 September 2026, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Executive Committee waived USD 253,030 (approximately MVR 3.9 million) that the Maldives was required to repay in connection with funds misappropriated during the tenure of former FAM President Bassam Adeel Jaleel. Additionally, with the lifting of the financial suspension imposed against the FAM since 2024, the opportunity has reopened for the Maldives to apply for AFC financial and development assistance starting next year.

During the "Racing Championship – Laamu Edition" organized by the Racing Association of Maldives (RAM) and held in L. Gan, a 20-year-old Maldivian male racer sustained serious injuries in a dangerous accident on the morning of Saturday, September 19, 2026, when a speeding motorcycle went out of control and fell into the sea; after receiving treatment in the ICU of Gan Regional Hospital, he was transferred to IGMH in Malé for further treatment where he is currently on a ventilator, and the police are investigating the case.

Nine-year-old Maldivian surfer Aaliyah Latheef achieved a major victory by winning the gold medal in the Women's Open category ahead of Sri Lanka's Sayuni Anjana and Switzerland's Camille Etter at the "SFSL Surf Championships 2026 – Arugam Bay Series," which was held from September 10 to 12 at Arugam Bay Main Point in Sri Lanka.

While the Maldives and China played a friendly match during the FIFA window, a major debate has arisen over the issue of the Bis Buru team playing in the national team jersey. In connection with these two sporting events, differences of opinion and criticism have emerged among supporters and concerned stakeholders.

In collaboration with the Australia Maldives Friendship Association and Water Patrol Australia, and with the support of the Thulusdhoo Council, Surfing Association of Thulusdhoo, and Maldives Surf Guide Association, a Junior Lifeguard Pilot Program involving 24 children aged between 11 and 17 commenced on 12 September 2026 in K. Thulusdhoo. Running until the 14th of this month, the program aims to teach children essential skills such as identifying ocean currents and hazardous waves, rescuing people using rescue boards, as well as providing first aid and CPR.

The independent FIFA Ethics Committee decided on September 11, 2026, to ban former President of the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) Bassam Adeel Jaleel from all football-related activities for life and fine him CHF 1,000,000 (approximately USD 1.23 million) in connection with the misuse of FIFA COVID-19 Relief Plan funds for personal benefit. In addition, club coaches and captains have shared their perspectives and hopes for the upcoming Dhivehi Premier League 2026 season in preparation for the competition.

At a ceremony held at Meeruma Hall on 9 September 2026 to hand over the national flag to athletes representing the Maldives at the Asian Games and Youth Olympic Games, Minister of Sports Abdulla Rafiu spoke on the importance of representing the country on the international stage. During the ceremony, the national flag was officially handed over to table tennis player Moosa Munsif Ahmed and shooter Mariyam Eeshal Misbah, who were honored as flag bearers for the Asian Games.

On September 8, 2026, important activities related to the work on the Hdh. Kumundhoo football pitch were carried out. Under this project, work is underway to develop the island's sports facilities and establish a complete football pitch for the youth.

The company announced on September 6, 2026, that the physical works—including subbase preparation, mat laying, and fencing—of the outdoor volleyball court developed in Ha. Dhidhdhoo, contracted to MTCC by the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, have been completed.

Speaking on the fourth episode of the "Rayyithunge Adu" (Voice of the People) program aired on September 5, 2026, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated that achievements attained in the field of e-sports in the Maldives will be recognized in the government's official sports awards, and that special priority will be given to developing the sector. To facilitate opportunities for e-sports, which is gaining immense popularity among youth, he noted that practical work is underway to form a team to oversee the development of a dedicated e-sports center, arcade, and children's activities complex, as well as to seek developers.

Sports infrastructure projects have been awarded to Sivec (Military Welfare Company), marking a significant step in developing sports facilities. Additionally, the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) is currently prioritizing the advancement and development of women's football in the country.

An agreement was signed today with SIVEC to conduct 20 sports projects across 17 islands in the Maldives. Additionally, a decision has been made to hold Super Cup matches between Maldives and Sri Lanka, while the Golden Futsal Challenge was noted as a tournament that has earned significant public trust.

The Maldives national futsal team completed key training sessions in China on December 30, 2024, as part of their ongoing training camp. This program aims to enhance player skills and fitness in preparation for upcoming international tournaments.

The Maldives national futsal team departed for China today for a training camp. This trip aims to enhance the team's performance in preparation for upcoming tournaments.

The national futsal team is set to travel to China for training, and the FAM U-14 Championship has been scheduled for February. These initiatives aim to develop Maldivian futsal and create opportunities for young football players.

The International Carrom Federation has highly praised the excellent organization of the ongoing Carrom World Cup in the Maldives. The federation noted today that hosting the tournament in the Maldives is a significant boost for the development of the sport.

First Lady Sajidha Mohamed officiated the final match and closing ceremony of the CAVA Women's Volleyball Cup on December 26. During the event, she presented trophies and medals to the winning teams and top-performing players.

The Maldives national women's volleyball team has advanced to the final of the CAVA Women's Volleyball Cup after winning today's semifinal match. This marks a historic achievement as the first time the team has reached the final of an international tournament. The Maldives secured its place in the final following a competitive performance and a hard-fought victory.