Bodybuilding Association Apologises Amid Backlash Over International Championship
Photo: Bodybuilding Association of Maldives
The Bodybuilding Association issued a formal apology following public outcry regarding the conduct of the 2024 World Bodybuilding and Physics Championship, held at Canareef Resort in the Maldives.
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— Bodybuilding Association of Maldives (@bbammv) November 10, 2024advertisement
The international championship, which began on Saturday evening, has sparked intense debate on social media, with criticism directed at both the attire of the participants and the event’s opening, which featured a recitation of the Quran. Footage from the event shows male and female competitors in revealing attire, a point that has drawn particular scrutiny from the public.
In a statement addressing the controversy, the Bodybuilding Association expressed regret, noting that the event was held in the Maldives to enhance the country’s standing in international sports and to support tourism and economic growth. The association highlighted the extensive process leading to the Maldives being chosen as the host nation, following a competitive bid against other countries.
The statement clarified that once the contract was signed, cancelling the event would have led to substantial financial and logistical losses for local sports bodies. Additionally, it emphasised that the event took place at a resort, adhering to typical tourist facility standards.
“We have made every effort to organise the event in line with the president’s vision and with guidance from the sports ministry,” the statement read. “However, we sincerely apologise to the president and the public for any concerns caused by the event.”
The association pledged that similar situations would be prevented in the future, though it did not specify whether the Maldives would host future editions of the tournament.
This incident follows tensions regarding Maldivian representation on the global stage, as the government also criticised the participation of a Maldivian woman in the Miss Universe pageant. Both events have reignited debate around cultural values, international representation, and the balance between tradition and modernity within Maldivian society.
