Negligence by some associations in award nominations

The Sports Ministry, which is in charge of making the arrangements for the Maldives Sports Awards, has said that nominees for the award such as players, coaches, officials and journalists are nominated via associations and that the ministry has no role in the process.

The award ceremony is being held tomorrow night, with dissatisfaction spreading across social media regarding some of the nominations. Some sports categories do not have a single nomination. Coaches who hold many achievements and referees who have served faithfully have been left out. The journalism and visual artistry awards in the media category do not have enough nominations. Some people have highlighted that certain key figures have not been nominated for the awards.

An official from the Sports Ministry came forward on the matter, stating that as per the award regulations that were drawn up by the National Sports Council, it is the associations who have the opportunity to send in nominations across all categories.

"The judges will be in charge of ruling on the names and portfolios sent by the associations to the judges tables," said the official.

The official also said that the requirements were not met when some of the associations had sent in their nominations, with some associations not having sent in nominations at all. The official added on, stating that some associations sent in nominations after the deadline had passed.

There were no nominations for best players in the football, basketball and surfing categories. There was no mention of football in the 2024 awards, with the basketball association not sending in any nominations due to there being only one competition. Nominations in surfing were only sent in after the deadline had passed.

"We are aware that certain players, referees, coaches and journalists have performed quite well. However, with how the regulations are now, there is nothing the ministry can do if an association does not send in nominations."

The official continued by stating that when looking at this year's experience, the rights of some are being lost due to the power to nominate being given only to associations. The official also stated that the best course may be to change the regulation so that self-nomination is allowed.

"I hope that the sports council gives this some thought."