Maldives sports associations call for banning vape

In a unified statement, 21 national sports associations in the Maldives on Wednesday called for an urgent ban on the import, trade, and possession of vapes and e-cigarettes, citing a concerning trend that is hindering athletes' performance and the nation’s pursuit of international sporting excellence. 

The associations highlighted the alarming increase in vaping among athletes and coaches, leading to significant lung health issues that directly impact their ability to compete. 

The statement underscored that these health problems are not only affecting individual players but are also resulting in withdrawals from sports, thereby challenging the Maldives’ efforts to promote a healthy sporting culture.

"The use of vapes and e-cigarettes is causing poor performance and hampering progress," the statement read. 

"This trend is detrimental to our athletes and poses a serious challenge to our ambition of achieving gold medals on the international stage."

The associations expressed concern over the implications of vaping on the Maldives' sports sector and called for immediate action. 

“Therefore, this is a matter of concern to the national sports associations of Maldives, and we call for a ban on the importation, trade, and possession of vapes and e-cigarettes in Maldives to protect the next generation from this epidemic," the statement read.

The Medical Council has echoed these sentiments, emphasising the need for stringent regulations. 

Alarmingly, vape use is also rising among school children, further exacerbating the public health crisis and jeopardising future athletic talent in the country.