The Maldivian government has announced plans to construct a new football stadium in Hulhumalé, shifting from the previous administration's plan to rebuild the National Football Stadium in Malé's Galolhu ward. This decision was revealed by Minister of Sports, Fitness, and Recreation Abdulla Rafiu during a press conference yesterday.
Under the former government, there were ambitious plans to demolish the aging Galolhu National Stadium and build a state-of-the-art facility at the same location with financial assistance from India. However, Minister Rafiu explained that the Galolhu site is no longer deemed suitable for a modern national stadium due to logistical challenges such as parking and security concerns.
"The location in Galolhu is not ideal for a national stadium anymore. After careful consideration, we’ve decided that Hulhumalé offers a more practical and expansive space for this important project," Rafiu stated.
The Galolhu National Stadium, inaugurated in 1979 with a capacity of 11,850 spectators, has long been a central hub for national football matches and various events. Its history dates back to the 1960s when it was an official pitch, though it lacked proper spectator seating. However, the stadium has since deteriorated, prompting calls for significant upgrades.
According to Minister Rafiu, the new Hulhumalé stadium is envisioned as a multi-purpose sports complex. In addition to a football field, it may include an athletics track and facilities for various indoor sports, enhancing the nation's sporting infrastructure.
The project aligns with broader government efforts to enhance sports facilities across the Maldives. The minister also revealed that work would soon begin on establishing synthetic tracks, volleyball and basketball courts, and table tennis halls in different regions of the country.
Despite the decision to build a new stadium in Hulhumalé, Rafiu clarified that there are no plans to demolish the existing Galolhu National Stadium. Instead, the government intends to renovate the old stadium after the completion of the new facility.
This move is part of the government's broader strategy to decentralize sports infrastructure and provide modern facilities for athletes and sports enthusiasts across the Maldives.
