First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has officially inaugurated a newly developed futsal ground in F. Dharan’boodhoo, marking another addition to the island’s recreational and sporting facilities.
The inauguration ceremony was held during the First Lady’s visit to the island on Saturday, where community members, local officials and young athletes gathered to celebrate the opening of the facility.
To commemorate the occasion, a friendly football match was held between the Under-12 teams of F. Dharan’boodhoo and F. Nilandhoo. The event brought together young players from both islands and highlighted the growing interest in youth sports across the atoll.
Following the match, the First Lady presented mementoes to the participating players in recognition of their involvement in the event.
Sajidha arrived in Dharan’boodhoo after concluding a visit to neighbouring F. Nilandhoo, where she had also participated in community engagements.
The opening of the new futsal ground comes amid ongoing efforts to improve sports infrastructure in islands across the Maldives. In recent years, the government has launched several initiatives aimed at expanding access to sporting facilities, particularly for children and young people living outside the Greater Malé region.
Officials have repeatedly emphasized the importance of sports in promoting healthy lifestyles, youth development and community engagement. New football grounds, futsal courts, volleyball facilities and multi-purpose sports arenas are currently being developed in various islands as part of broader efforts to decentralize sports opportunities.
Residents of Dharan’boodhoo welcomed the new facility, noting that it will provide children and young people with a dedicated space for recreation, training and sporting activities.
The government has previously stated that improving access to sports facilities is a key component of its youth development strategy, with the aim of creating more opportunities for talent development and encouraging active lifestyles among future generations.
The newly inaugurated futsal ground is expected to serve as a venue for community sporting events, youth tournaments and regular training sessions for local athletes.
