The Maldives is preparing to welcome international athletes and sports fans as it hosts the inaugural Commonwealth Beach Handball Games this September in Kulhudhuffushi City. Organized by the Handball Association of the Maldives, this historic event will be held from 18 to 22 September 2025, placing the Maldives on the sporting calendar of the Commonwealth nations.
The announcement was made during a press briefing by the Handball Association, where its President Ahmed Mujuthaba (Mujey) shared insights into the preparation process. He explained that although the event was originally scheduled to be held in Pakistan in 2024, it did not proceed as planned. Following the proposal to relocate the tournament to the Maldives, a feasibility study was conducted to evaluate the suitability of Kulhudhuffushi as the host city. The study, carried out in partnership with the Asian Handball Federation, the Maldives Olympic Committee, and the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, confirmed that Kulhudhuffushi meets the required standards for hosting the games.
Highlighting the broader impact of the event, Mujey noted that the games provide a valuable opportunity to spotlight the Maldives’ pristine beaches and growing sports scene. So far, four nations have confirmed their participation, with more countries expected to join the lineup in the coming weeks.
Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation, Abdulla Rafiu, also addressed the media, praising the Handball Association for their dedication in securing the event. He emphasized the popularity of handball in the Maldives and expressed optimism that the sport could become a key avenue for international representation.
The Mayor of Kulhudhuffushi City, Mohamed Athif, welcomed the decision to host the tournament in the northern city, pointing out the potential boost it offers to local tourism. He underscored the importance of leveraging such events to attract sports tourism and promote regional destinations within the Maldives.
Adding to the remarks, President of the Maldives Olympic Committee, Mohamed Abdulsattar (Champi), called for meticulous organization and planning to ensure the success of the event. He stressed that hosting a Commonwealth-level sports competition presents a unique chance to demonstrate the Maldives’ capacity to organize international tournaments.
The upcoming games in Kulhudhuffushi mark a promising chapter in the Maldives’ growing engagement with international sports tourism, reinforcing the country’s appeal not just for its scenic beauty, but also as a destination for global athletic events.
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