Husain Al-Musallam, the President of the Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA), on Thursday afternoon paid a courtesy call on Vice President Faisal Naseem at the President’s Office. FINA administers international competitions and controls the development of aquatic events, including swimming, water polo, diving, artistic swimming, high diving, and open water swimming.

Speaking with Mr Al-Musallam, the Vice President remarked that this was the first official visit to the Maldives by the President of the organisation. He discussed with Mr Al-Musallam facilitating the development of swimming infrastructure and training opportunities for local athletes.

Mr Al-Musallam described the Maldives as an ideal destination to promote water sports and emphasised the significance of hosting countrywide swimming programmes. He expressed FINA’s interest in developing swimming and other aquatic activities in the Maldives and in providing technical knowledge and financial assistance. He went on to say that FINA would continue to assist and provide training opportunities for Maldivian athletes.

Vice President Faisal Naseem and Mr Al-Musallam examined further the possibilities for the Maldives to expand sports tourism and host international open water sporting events. Concluding the meeting, the Vice President acknowledged FINA's assistance to the Maldives in developing the water sports sector.