Giving boost to soft diplomacy, India is cooperating with Maldives in development and promotion of sports

India and Maldives had an “amazing week” in bilateral sports collaboration with regular engagements, said Indian embassy in Maldives, reiterating the commitment to extend this cooperation in the field of sports and youth affairs.

Maldives Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment Ahmed Mahloof on April 20 met with the President of Delhi Football Association Shaji Prabhakaran and discussed the ways how India can provide support in the field of football in Maldives, especially for women.

After the meeting, Mahloof said in a tweet, “Happy to have met the President of Delhi Football Association @Shaji4Football this afternoon. Discussed on how they could provide support for the development of Football in Flag of Maldives, especially for women. Looking forward to reading the copy of “Back to the roots” by Shaji. @HCIMaldives”

The tweet was later shared by the High Commissioner of India in Maldives.

https://twitter.com/HCIMaldives/status/1384827648120016898

On April 19, Mahloof also met with the President of Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation Vivek Kohli, Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautela and TT Maldives officials, and discussed India’s support in the field of Table Tennis. The meeting was also virtually attended by Union Sports Minister of India Kiren Rijiju.

After the meeting, Mahloof said in a tweet, “Had a wonderful discussion with the President of @ttfitweet H.E @Dchautala & President of Commonwealth TT Federation, Mr. Vivek Kohli regarding the development of TT in the Flag of Maldives. H.E Dushyant assured on India's full support for our efforts. @TT_Maldives @KirenRijiju @HCIMaldives.”

https://twitter.com/AhmedMahloof/status/1384429365321031681

On the same day, Maldives Minister of Tourism Abdulla Mausoom also held a meeting with the same officials and discussed sports tourism.

The High Commissioner of India in Maldives in a tweet said that both sides embarked on this new chapter in sports cooperation.

On March 16, the Union Cabinet apprised a Memorandum of Understanding between India and Maldives sports ministries.

The bilateral exchange programmes between India and Maldives in the field of sports and youth affairs will help in expanding the expertise and knowledge in the field of sports medicines, sports science, participation in youth festivals and camps, coaching techniques which will result in the improvement in performances of India’s sportspersons in the international tournaments.

It will also strengthen bilateral relations between India and Maldives.