Maldives bodybuilding association apologises for event
This incident comes on the heels of a heated discussion as the Maldivian government criticised the participation of a local woman in the Miss Universe.
Bodybuilding Association on Sunday issued a formal apology following public outcry over the conduct of the International Bodybuilding Championships held in the Maldives.
The 2024 World Bodybuilding and Physics Championship, which commenced at the Canareef Resort, has drawn widespread criticism and sparked intense debate on social media.
Footage from the event, which began Saturday evening, shows participants of both sexes competing on stage in revealing attire. This aspect, coupled with the recitation of the Quran at the beginning of the competition, has been at the centre of the controversy.
In response to the backlash, the Bodybuilding Association released a statement expressing regret and addressing the situation. The organisation emphasised that the tournament was hosted in the Maldives to elevate the country’s standing in the international sports arena and to bolster economic growth and tourism.
The association detailed the efforts that led to the hosting of the championship:
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The Maldives was selected to host the event after an intensive bid against other nations.
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Once the contract to host the tournament was signed, canceling it would have incurred significant financial and operational losses for local sports organisations.
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The tournament was conducted at a resort, adhering to the general practices of tourist facilities.
“We have made every effort to organise the event in accordance with the president’s vision and the guidance of the sports ministry. However, we sincerely apologise to the president and the public for the concern caused by the event,” read the statement.
“We assure everyone that such an incident will not happen again in the future.”
The association did not clarify whether future editions of the tournament would be held in the Maldives.
This incident comes on the heels of a heated discussion as the Maldivian government criticised the participation of a local woman in the Miss Universe beauty pageant. Both events have reignited debates surrounding cultural values, international representation, and the balance between modernity and tradition in Maldivian society.
