The Rowing Association of Maldives is an organization dedicated to developing the sport of rowing throughout the Maldives. The Maldives had a history of rowing, mainly using locally made boats “bokkuraa”, and races were held in the past. However, the concept of establishing a formal rowing association was born after British Olympic silver medallist, Guin Batten, visited the Maldives and held talks with the then President H.E Mohamed Nasheed and other Maldivians interested in taking this forward. This culminated in a visit to the World Coastal Rowing Championship in Plymouth UK, by Mr. Umar Jamaal, the then State Minister for the Upper South Province, in October 2009. He held discussions with Guin Batten and officials of the then Fédération Internationale des Sociétés d'Aviron (now known as World Rowing Federation), supported by the High Commission of Maldives in London, where a proposal was developed to establish a formal Rowing Association in the Maldives and help was sought from FISA.
In 2010, Guin Batten, rowed solo across the Zero Degree Channel completing the 60km crossing in 7 hours and 16 minutes. The event was supported by Friends of Maldives, UK (FOM). Ms.Batten stated that she hoped the event would “inspire young people to take up rowing as a sport to ensure these ancient skills are not lost.” And the then President Mohamed Nasheed expressed that “I hope her efforts will be a catalyst for the revival of rowing in the Maldives.”
The Rowing Association of Maldives was formally set up in 2011 and it was based in Gaaf Dhaal Atoll followed by another club in Hulhumale and Addu Atoll. Boats for the clubs were sought with support from British Airways and other well-wishers. The High Commission of Maldives in London held the first ever fund-raising event in the UK with 5x15 and with the funds raised, boats were purchased and shipped to Addu. Several volunteers supported the Association by visiting Maldives as coaches. School links were set up with Westminster School, London.
The first ever inter-school rowing regatta in Maldives was held in November 2011 in Hithaadhoo, Addu Atoll where 90 students representing 9 schools from around Addu came together to race 4 double scull rowing boats over a distance of 200m.
Today rowing has become a much-enjoyed recreational sport in several countries. It is a water-based endurance sport which is considered to be one of the most technical and toughest sports in the world. Coastal rowing is ideal for the Maldives because 99% of the country’s territory is ocean.
To become a leading nation in coastal rowing in Asia by 2030
The mission of RAM is to encourage grassroots’ rowing in communities across the country in building a strong participation base, whilst furthering the high performance stream of rowers.
First and foremost, looking at the two recreational groups; the schools and the adults. Our aim is to increase the broad participation of these groups, to allow more people the opportunity to make use of the incredible water setting here in the Maldives. By introducing the sport of rowing to people, we hope to increase people’s awareness of the delicate nature of the environment, and so to protect it. “On water, for water” could be our motto here! Furthermore, rowing as a sport teaches many invaluable skills such as teamwork, multitasking, problem-solving, commitment, dedication, and pro-activity. These are essential skills especially for the young people of the Maldives, to develop for their future careers and for successful, fulfilled lives, and for a prosperous future for the Maldives. Further to this, rowing is a fantastic all-body workout - it is a non-impact strength and cardio sport, utilizing all parts of the body, and is a sport that can be learnt from the age of Grade 7, with no upper age limit! With rates of Type-2 diabetes (associated with inactivity) on the increase in this part of the world, introducing sport into people’s lives is vital to the health of the individual, as well to that of the community and economy.
Secondly, looking at the Junior Squad, put simply the goal is to maximizing the athlete’s potential, so as to be competitive on the international stage. Given our environmental context and the cultural background, there is no reason why Maldivian rowers should not be bringing back medals from the 2020 Asian Levels. Their training program requires commitment to a six-day a week program, to develop their technical skills and to increase their, strength, fitness and endurance.
