Malé, Maldives: Maldives Olympic Committee (MOC) has announced that the Badminton World Federation (BWF) has granted a temporary exemption allowing Maldivian athletes to participate in BWF-sanctioned tournaments until 26 December 2025, despite the current suspension of the Badminton Association of Maldives (BAM).

This development means that Maldivian shuttlers, including those selected for the upcoming Asian Youth Games in Bahrain this October, will face no restrictions in competing at international events during this exemption period.

The exemption follows encouraging signs of governance reforms within the Badminton Association of Maldives.

These include the drafting of a revised constitution, and the scheduling of an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) and elections, aimed at addressing concerns raised by the international governing body.

MOC President Mohamed Abdul Sattar welcomed the decision, stating:

“This temporary clearance by the Badminton World Federation is a significant relief for our athletes, who have continued to train and compete with determination under uncertain circumstances. We are pleased with the reform efforts currently underway at BAM, and the MOC will continue supporting these steps to strengthen governance and ensure long-term opportunities for our players.”

While the suspension on the Badminton Association itself remains in place, the BWF’s temporary exemption ensures that Maldivian athletes are not penalized and can continue representing the country on the global stage.

The Maldives Olympic Committee reiterated its commitment to upholding athlete rights, encouraging governance reforms, and promoting the growth of badminton in the Maldives.

After deliberations, the working group, comprising representatives from the Badminton World Federation (BWF), the Maldives Olympic Committee (MOC), and the former Executive Committee of the Badminton Association of Maldives (BAM), has agreed to convene a special meeting in the first or second week of next month to approve the revised statutes. This will pave the way for BAM’s elections, scheduled for 1 November.