President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has on Sunday ratified the Sports Bill.
The bill was passed by the Parliament at the 28th sitting of its second session, on 27th August 2015. Following ratification, the Act has been published in the Government Gazette.
The Sports Bill was devised to aid the development of individuals associating in the sports sector, and support the advancement of the Maldives National Institute of Sports, sports associations and clubs. The Act also sanctions the establishment and regulation of a modernized National Sports Council and Maldives National Institute of Sports, and stipulates the authorities of national sports associations, federations and the Maldives Olympic Committee.
The main purpose of the Sports Act is to assist the promotion of competitive sports and cultural activities at international, national and island level. It also outlines policies and guidelines formulated to encourage the development of the country through the participation of the general public.