The development of a new surfing and bodyboarding arena in the Varunula Raalhugandu surf break area will commence following the conclusion of the ongoing Visit Maldives Pro 2024 bodyboarding world tour, according to Sports Minister Abdulla Raifu.
The Visit Maldives Pro 2024 tournament, currently taking place at the Varunula Raalhugandu surf break in Malé, has attracted over 86 bodyboarders from around the globe, including world champions. Minister Raifu expressed that the commencement of the arena’s development will be welcomed news for the local surfing and bodyboarding community.
“It is a pledge of this administration to develop a surfing and bodyboarding area here [Varunula Raalhugandu surf break area]. We are waiting without commencing the project until this tournament ends. God willing, once the tournament ends, we will commence the project here,” said Minister Raifu.
He further highlighted the benefits of the new arena, particularly its enhancement of the Maldives’ capacity to host international tournaments.
The Visit Maldives Pro 2024 bodyboarding tournament features many top bodyboarders, making this year’s event more prominent than previous iterations. This is the third time the tournament is being held in the Maldives, and local bodyboarders have achieved notable success in past events.
Hussain Nizam, President of the Maldives Bodyboarding Association (MBBA), acknowledged the support from various government agencies in organising the Visit Maldives Pro tournaments. “Every administration has been helpful to the surfing and bodyboarding community and helped in the arrangements of the Visit Maldives Pro tournaments,” he said.
Nizam also expressed optimism about the future of Maldivian bodyboarders on the world stage, adding that the Maldives’ name is slowly making its way to the bodyboarding world stage. He also expressed hope for the success of local competitors in this year’s tournament.
