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Baa atoll’s first community football tournament wraps up

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Eydhafushi have been crowned champions of the first ever Baa Football Challenge, beating a determined Goidhoo side 6-1.

The final at the Eydhafushi Stadium on July 20 was covered by YES TV (PSM) and watched by a live crowd of around 700 spectators, including tourism minister Ali Waheed, Baa Atoll Council President Mabrook Naseer, and former Maldives National team players Ali Shiham and Mohamed ‘Bakaa’ Arif.

Eydhafushi won three of their group ties to secure a place in the semi-finals against Kihaadhoo, beating them 5-1, whilst Goidhoo won three of their four games in the run up to the final, scoring 12 against Maalhos to reach the semi-finals.

In-form Goidhoo started the final very positively and were the first to score, but despite some great football from both teams Eydhafushi proved too strong and made their home advantage count.

Commenting on his team’s overall win, Eydhafushi’s Captain, Mohamed Fasir, said: “We set out in the final to learn from all the mistakes of previous matches and just play the best we could. We were fortunate to have the advantage of playing at our home ground but our team is young and enthusiastic and we’re very grateful that this win will help to support their development even further.”

Initiated and sponsored by Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru to strengthen the bond between the 13 islands of Baa atoll, the Baa Football Challenge – the country’s biggest resort-organised football event – saw a total of 11 teams battle it out in 18 games across 18 days, scoring a total of 92 goals and delighting an estimated total of 5,000 in-stadium supporters.

The atmospheric closing ceremony saw additional tournament awards presented to:

  • Best Defender – Razzan Rasheed (Eydhafushi)
  • Best Midfielder – Shahee Moosa (Eydhafushi)
  • Best Forward – Adam Nizam (Goidhoo)
  • Best Keeper – Ali Ajfan Amjad (Eydhafushi)
  • Best Coach – Shafy Ali (Eydhafushi)
  • Best Player Under 21 – Ali Naseem (Eydhafushi)
  • Fair Play Team – Kendhoo

The Player of the Tournament, Mohamed Fasir (Eydhafushi), was also awarded the Golden Boot, having scored 10 goals, narrowly beating Goidhoo’s Adam Nazir, who also scored 10 but in a slightly longer period of time. Eydhafushi’s Ali Naseem was the third top goal scorer of the tournament with a total of 7.

The tournament ended with tourism minister Waheed and Armando Kraenzlin, Regional Vice President of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives, unfurling a banner – “See You In 2020” – confirming the return of the Challenge next year.

“We set out with the intention of using football to explore and expand community relations, yet we have ended up with so much more,” Kraenzlin said.

“It has been a month of incredible talent, sportsmanship and bonding that has not only brought Baa atoll closer but has given a national platform to our incredible footballers and community spirit. My congratulations not only to Eydhafushi, Goidhoo, and all the individual award winners, but to every single member of the 11 participating teams for their contribution to this fantastic event.”

And the football wasn’t the only community connections being celebrated in Baa. In honour of PADI Women’s Dive Day, also held on Saturday July 20, women from Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru’s Dive, Marine Savers and Manta Trust teams introduced local female swimming teachers from the island of Eydhafushi to the magic world of diving.

Community spirit is strong in Baa!

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Game, set, match: ultimate active escape at Ellaidhoo Maldives

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For many travellers, a visit to the Maldives evokes images of overwater villas, blue skies, and crystal-clear waters filled with marine life. However, at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, the island experience extends beyond the shoreline, encouraging guests to embrace their competitive spirit and remain active in paradise. The resort offers an extensive range of facilities, including two badminton courts, a tennis court, a squash court, a volleyball court, and a playground. Additionally, visitors can enjoy table tennis, exercise in the fully equipped gym, or engage in a friendly match by the ocean breeze.

A day at the resort can begin with an energising workout in the gym, followed by a spirited match on the tennis court. As the afternoon heat intensifies, guests have the opportunity to cool off with a snorke;ling excursion at one of the world’s most renowned reefs or unwind with a rejuvenating spa session at the Chavana Spa, operated by the prestigious Mandara Spa. In the evening, another chance for sport presents itself—perhaps a thrilling game of badminton under the resort’s lights, concluding with a beachside cocktail at the Iruohsenee Bar as the sun sets on the horizon.

For those seeking an added element of excitement during their stay, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers a unique challenge—how many different sports can be tried in a single visit? From racket sports to beach volleyball, guests can curate their own mini-tournament, competing against fellow travellers or family members in a friendly contest. With every activity accompanied by breathtaking ocean views and exceptional hospitality, this challenge promises a truly unparalleled experience.

While the Maldives has long been celebrated for its water sports, land-based activities also play an integral role in island culture, with locals frequently participating in traditional games, football, and volleyball. Resort Manager Hassan Shihab, a passionate advocate for sports and fitness, emphasises the resort’s distinctive approach to active living, “Sports and wellness are deeply ingrained in Maldivian culture, and a great holiday is about finding the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation. At Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, we provide the ideal space for guests to enjoy the best of both worlds. We believe that movement is key to a fulfilling escape, and our island offers the perfect setting to stay active while immersing in the beauty of the Maldives.”

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is a destination where guests can experience both the wonders of the ocean and the thrill of competition. With every match played against the backdrop of crashing waves, sports become an integral part of an unforgettable Maldivian adventure. Game, set, match—an active island escape awaits at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon.

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Siyam World welcomes Javier Saviola for youth football extravaganza

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Siyam World Maldives is inviting young football enthusiasts to take part in an extraordinary experience with Argentine football legend Javier Saviola. From April 24th to 28th, 2025, aspiring players aged 5 to 12 will have the unique opportunity to train with the former FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Argentina national team star in an action-packed Football Camp at the resort’s FIFA-sized stadium.

Following in the footsteps of football icons such as Alessandro Del Piero, Esteban “Cuchu” Cambiasso, Carles Puyol, Marco Materazzi, Robert Pirès, Rio Ferdinand, and Pepe Reina, this five-day camp promises intensive coaching sessions, interactive drills, and exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities with Saviola. The camp will take place daily from 16:30 to 18:00, providing young players with a rare chance to refine their skills under the mentorship of a world-class footballer. With limited spots available, early reservations are strongly recommended.

Javier Saviola, a retired Argentine footballer, is renowned for his exceptional dribbling and goal-scoring abilities. His career highlights include league titles with Barcelona and Benfica, a UEFA Europa League victory with Sevilla, and an Olympic gold medal with Argentina in 2004. Additionally, he was named South American Footballer of the Year in 1999 at just 18 years old.

Siyam World is already recognised for redefining island escapism, and its commitment to delivering remarkable sporting experiences is no exception. Whether hosting high-energy football camps or curating a lineup of world-class events, the resort continues to push the boundaries of entertainment, sports, and luxury in the Maldives.

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Emerald Maldives hosts tennis masterclasses with Filippo Volandr

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Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, a distinguished 5-star deluxe property and member of The Leading Hotels of the World, has announced a collaboration with Filippo Volandri, the esteemed coach of the Italian National Tennis Team.

From February 21 to 28, 2025, Volandri will conduct six exclusive tennis masterclasses, designed to cater to both children and adults seeking to improve their skills on the court.

As the coach behind Italy’s 2024 Davis Cup victory and a key figure in the Italian national tennis team, Volandri brings extensive expertise and a passion for the sport. Known for his strategic approach and ability to inspire players of all levels, he offers a coaching experience that is both insightful and engaging.

Participants will have the unique opportunity to enhance their tennis abilities under Volandri’s tailored guidance. Whether seasoned players or newcomers to the sport, attendees will benefit from expert insights into technique, strategy, and gameplay. These sessions will take place at the resort’s world-class tennis facilities, set against the serene backdrop of the Maldives, creating an unforgettable environment for skill development.

Rohit Chhettri, General Manager of Emerald Maldives Resort & Spa, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “The collaboration with Filippo Volandri provides our guests with an extraordinary opportunity to learn from one of tennis’s finest coaches while enjoying the unmatched luxury and natural beauty of our resort.”

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