Maldives may be one of the smallest nations in the world with a population of over 300,000. However, that doesn’t mean our passion for things we like and games we play are any lesser in numbers and entertainment quotient. We had our share of Kuda Moosas and Kuda Heenas running amok Galolhu stadium to our heart’s content. If at all, our fans are bigger at heart and vocal at support when local football teams battle it out in the only stadium – Galolhu Stadium – we hold national tournaments.
We have 3-tier football system where 2nd and 3rd division dole out their talent free of cost, in open playground; 1st tier, of course goes more conspicuously by selling tickets. There are eight teams in the present format where long-drawn out league is played for the full season with an FA Cup tournament stuck somewhere in the middle. Altogether there are almost 43 registered clubs in all divisions with more than 700 players active for these teams.
But in recent times our football seems to have hit roadblock. It has lost its glow and sheen and the latest is on the back of tumultuous political, societal upheaval. To compound the matters the standard of football has taken a downward plunge with lack of development of quality players. The disillusionment is no more apparent than the present Dhiraagu Dhivehi league which is running to empty houses. The gulf in class among the teams are so huge that the bottom team in the league has not yet won a match ( only two points with two draws) with final round of league in progress.
This year national football commemorate its 60th year in the wilderness but Galolhu Stadium wear a deserted look on match days with little activity in and around stadium. The once colourful and vibrant fans are not to be seen anywhere…is this how you expect national sport greets its fans in the country in an important time in history rather than wallowing in near-anonymity? The pitfalls are widespread and the onus onto us to take it from its sorry state of affairs to its former glory is by no means unchallenging and unprecedented.
The main sponsor of the league, Dhiraagu’s attempt to revive the sport and adorn it in new avatar is still on bumpy road. Will life be the same again for Dhivehi football?
No comments:
Post a Comment