Maldives Honors Flag Bearers for Paris 2024 Olympics at Special Ceremony
On 21 July 2024, at 1330hrs, a distinguished ceremony was held at the President's Office to honor the flag bearers for the Paris 2024 Olympics. Fathimath Dheema Ali, a table tennis player, and Ibadulla Adam, a sprinter, were bestowed with the prestigious role of carrying the national flag during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games scheduled from 26 July 2024 to 11 August 2024 at Paris, France.
Remarks from the Ceremony:
Mr. Mohamed Abdul Sattar, President of the Maldives Olympic Committee:
"Today, we celebrate not just our flag bearers, but the spirit of perseverance and dedication that embodies Maldivian athletes. The Paris 2024 Olympics marks our tenth appearance, a testament to our ongoing commitment to the Olympic ideals since our first participation in 1988."
Honorable Abdulla Rafiu, Minister of Sports, Fitness, and Recreation:
"The diversity in sports we are competing in this year—Athletics, Badminton, Table Tennis, and Swimming—reflects the growth and development of sports in the Maldives. It is a proud moment for all of us to see our athletes reaching new heights and representing our nation on such a prestigious platform."
His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, President of the Republic of the Maldives:
"As we award the national flag to our esteemed athletes, we recognize the hard work and dedication they have put in to reach this stage. The Paris 2024 Olympics is not just an event, but a milestone in our journey towards excellence in sports. We stand united in our support for our athletes, and we wish them the best in their endeavors."
Mr. Hussain Aan Mohamed, Athlete:
"It is an honor to represent the Maldives at the Paris 2024 Olympics. On behalf of all the athletes we promise to give our best and make the nation proud. This is a momentous occasion, and we are ready to showcase our talents on the global stage."
The Maldives is marking its tenth appearance at the Olympics, having first competed in 1988. In the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Maldives will participate in four sports: Athletics, Badminton, Table Tennis, and Swimming. This marks the first time the Maldives is competing in such a diverse range of sports at the Olympics, reflecting the broadening scope and development of sports within the country.
Athletics and Swimming will see our athletes competing under wild card entries, while Badminton will compete under a Tripartite Universality place. Table Tennis marks a historic first with Fathimath Dheema Ali qualifying through regional qualification. Ali Rasheed, an Executive Committee member of the Maldives Olympic Committee and President of the Table Tennis Association of Maldives, will serve as the Chef de Mission (CDM) of the Maldives contingent.
The ceremony concluded with a sense of unity and anticipation, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the Maldives' Olympic journey. The Paris 2024 Olympics promises to be an event where Maldivian athletes will carry the hopes and dreams of the nation with them.
