On May 22, 2025, Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives H.E. Mr. Kong Xianhua attended the handover ceremony of sports equipment donated by Yunnan Province to the Maldives. Maldivian Minister of Sports, Fitness and Recreation H.E. Abdulla Rafiu and President of the Maldives Olympic Committee Mr. Mohamed Abdul Sattar, among others, were also present.

Ambassador Kong stated that sports are a universal language. Strengthening China-Maldives sports cooperation and promoting people-to-people exchanges are key components in implementing the consensus reached by the two heads of state and advancing the building of the China-Maldives community with a shared future. The sports equipment donated by Yunnan Province cover popular sports among the Maldivian people. We hope that the Maldivian people will enjoy the joy of sports and have a healthy lifestyle. China is willing to continue deepening sports exchanges and cooperation with the Maldives to improve its athletic capabilities and enhance the well-being of its people.

H.E. Abdulla Rafiu expressed gratitude for China’s donation and indicated that China is an important partner of the Maldives. The donation of sports equipment by Yunnan Province reflects China’s strong support for the development of sports in the Maldives and the deep friendship between the two peoples. He expressed hope that China would continue to promote sports cooperation with the Maldives and help the country achieve its national sports development goals at an early date.