Male’ Maldives, 6th July 2023 – The second edition of the Visit Maldives Pro 2023 is set to take place this august. Minister of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, Ahmed Mahloof, ceremoniously launched this prestigious international bodyboarding tournament, scheduled to take place from August 3rd to 12th. The event will unfold at the picturesque Varunula Raalhugandu area in the heart of Male’ city.
The event brings with it the highly anticipated Bodyboarding World Tour to the tropical paradise. The event is organised by Maldives Body Boarding Association (MBBA) in association with Visit Maldives and Ministry of Youth, Sports & Community Empowerment. As the fifth event on the tour’s calendar, the tournament promises to showcase the world’s finest bodyboarding talent in an idyllic setting of crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches. With a diverse lineup of athletes representing countries from around the globe, this exhilarating competition is sure to be a thrilling spectacle for both participants and spectators alike.
“In the upcoming competition, we are excited to welcome talented Australian bodyboarders and delighted to have the participation of Malaysian athletes. Among them will be former world champions and current titleholders, all determined to fiercely compete for victory.” MBBA General Secretary, Hasan Rasheed (Rush), commented on the event.
“With the increased points allocation, only those who compete in the Visit Maldives Pro will have the chance to emerge as this year’s champions. This assurance is anticipated to attract an even larger number of participants compared to the previous year..”
Minister Mahloof expressed his positive outlook on the ‘Maldives Pro’ and its significance within the IBC World Tour. He eagerly anticipated a year filled with remarkable international events. Recognizing the tournament’s importance, he emphasized its invaluable role in showcasing the Maldives’ impressive sporting achievements to a global audience. The Minister’s optimism was evident as he anticipated the tournament to serve as a captivating platform, drawing attention to the Maldives and captivating audiences worldwide with its sporting excellence.
The exceptional performances of Maldivian athletes in the previous edition of the ‘Maldives Pro’ garnered significant praise. Armin Umar Moosa made it to the finals in the junior section, while Ali Khushruwan Ahmed (Kuda Ayya) reached the semi-finals in the drop knee section. These remarkable achievements propelled them onto the global rankings, with Kuda Ayya securing an impressive 12th place in the drop-knee category at the end of the year.
Known for its breathtaking beauty, the Maldives provides the perfect backdrop for this high-profile bodyboarding event. The archipelago’s turquoise lagoons, palm-fringed islands, and unrivaled surf breaks make it a dream destination for water sports enthusiasts. The event organizers have chosen an exquisite location that combines ideal wave conditions with the picturesque surroundings, ensuring an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Visit Maldives Pro 2023 is the fifth stop on the Bodyboarding World Tour, following previous events in Brazil, Chile, and France. As the world’s finest bodyboarders descend upon the Maldives, they will compete across multiple divisions, including the Men’s, Women’s, Junior, and Dropknee divisions. Each division offers its own unique blend of skill, style, and athleticism, guaranteeing an action-packed showcase of bodyboarding talent.
In their quest for victory, competitors will battle it out to earn crucial points toward their overall standings in the World Tour. With 3000 points at stake, the Men’s Division promises fierce competition and displays of technical expertise. Meanwhile, the Women’s Division offers 1500 points, providing female athletes with a platform to showcase their incredible skills.
The Junior and Dropknee divisions each offer 2000 points, catering to the rising stars of bodyboarding and those who favor the dynamic dropknee style. The point system ensures that every heat and wave count, making each moment crucial in determining the eventual winners.
In addition to the prestige and points at stake, the Visit Maldives Pro 2023 provides a substantial prize money pool of $70,000, serving as an additional source of motivation for the athletes. The Men’s Open Division will compete for a share of $30,000, while the Women’s Open Division will vie for a distribution of $20,000. Furthermore, the Junior and Dropknee divisions will each have a prize pool of $10,000. This significant financial reward adds an extra level of excitement to the competition, ensuring fierce determination and thrilling performances from all participants.
Visit Maldives Pro 2023 is truly a global event, with an estimated 100 athletes from around the world expected to participate. Countries such as Brazil, France, Morocco, Portugal, Hawaii, Chile, Australia, Malaysia, Japan, Spain, Peru, and, of course, the Maldives are likely to field strong contingents, showcasing their talent and passion for bodyboarding. The diverse representation enhances the event’s cultural richness, fostering an atmosphere of camaraderie and international solidarity among athletes and fans alike.
For more information please visit ibcworldtour.com
