Sports Minister Abdullah Rafiu has said that he has requested the Housing Ministry to allocate land from Thilafushi for the development of a dedicated racing track.
Earlier this week, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu canceled the land allocation issued to the Racing and Drifting Association from Hulhumale’ by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) following the death of a young man in a collision between a sports car and a motorcycle. The Racing and Drifting Association has expressed concern over the President's decision.
Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office, the minister said he had met the heads of the racing and drifting associations to hear their concerns.
Rafiu said the meeting discussed ensuring that racing venues are the safest in terms of health and safety. He stressed that any sport, including racing, should be conducted in an environment that ensures the safety of both participants and spectators. The discussions centered on strategies to make the racetrack a safe and regulated space for all involved, he said.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has previously pledged to build a special track for racing and drifting. In line with this promise, Rafiu said a formal request has already been sent to the Housing Ministry to arrange land for the track.
Sports Minister Abdulla Rafiu
