Bodybuilding Association of Maldives (BBAM) has publicly apologized after concerns were raised over the 15th World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship underway in Canareef resort of Addu city.
In a statement, BBAM said it had bid to host the World Bodybuilding Championship in the Maldives to improve the country's profile and considering the benefits it will have on the economy and tourism. BBAM noted that the Maldives got the opportunity to host the tournament this year due to efforts made towards that goal very early on.
"The association decided to go ahead with the tournament as a contract had been signed with the World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation to host the tournament and after considering the financial and other losses to the sports associations and the country as a whole if the tournament is cancelled," the statement read.
BBAM said the tournament was being held at the Canareef resort in order to make sure that international tourists are able to live there lifestyle away from locals.
The association added that efforts were made to ensure the tournament goes ahead as directed by the Sports Ministry in line with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's vision.
"However, with the concerns of the public regarding the news circulating about the tournament, we sincerely apologize to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and the people of Maldives. We assure the public that such an incident will not happen again in the future," BBAM stated.
How concerns were raised over the bodybuilding tournament
The World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championship was officially inaugurated on October 8 by Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu.
But, with the debate which emerged after the Youth Ministry condemned a Maldivian model's participation in the Miss Universe pageant, President Muizzu said in a social media post that there is no good that can be achieved for the country and the religion by revealing one's body.
"Whether you are a man or a woman, there is no real achievement, happiness or success for yourself or your religion and country by exposing your body in a way that displeases Allah," he wrote on X.
BBAM's statement was issued after videos of the World Bodybuilding Championship began circulating on social media.
According to BBAM, more than 500 people, including athletes, coaches and officials from 55 countries, are attending the tournament.
The South Asian Bodybuilding Championship was hosted in the Maldives in 2023 and 2024 as well. In 2022, the Asian Bodybuilding Championship was held in Kaafu Maafush while the South Asian Bodybuilding Championship was held in Bandos in 2001.
World Bodybuilding Federation President Paul Chua said Maldives was given the opportunity to host the World Championship in 2024 because the 2022 and 2023 South Asian Bodybuilding Championships and the 2022 Asian Bodybuilding Championship hosted in the Maldives were successful.
