Maldives at the Asian Games 2023
The 19th Asian Games was held in Hangzhou, People's Republic of China, from 23 September to 8 October 2023. Officially known as the 2022 Asian Games, having been postponed by a year due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, featured 61 disciplines across 40 sports. More than 12,000 athletes from all 45 members of the Olympic Council of Asia competed in the 19th Asian Games.
The Asian Games served as an arena for Maldives to demonstrate its sporting prowess and values of sportsmanship. The dedication and hard work of the athletes and their support from officials and the nation as a whole made this participation a memorable chapter in the country's sporting history. The games provided a platform for cultural exchange, international friendship, and the pursuit of excellence in athletics, symbolizing the best of Maldives on the continental stage.
The Maldivian delegation, consisting of 209 athletes and officials, took part in this sporting event, competing across a diverse range of sports and disciplines. These included Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Cricket, E-sports, Shooting, Swimming, Table Tennis, and Volleyball.
Under the astute leadership of Chef de Mission Hamid Abdul Gafoor, the Maldivian contingent showcased their talents and determination, vying for success and national pride. Mr. Gafoor's guidance and leadership played a crucial role in preparing the athletes for this prestigious multi-sport event.
The opening ceremony of the 2023 Asian Games was marked by the dignified presence of flag bearers who embodied the spirit of the Games. Ziyan Ziyau, representing the Shooting Association of Maldives, and Fathmath Eehau Shameem, a representative of the Basketball Association of Maldives, had the honour of leading the Maldivian delegation during the Parade of Nations.
