Experienced coach Ali Suzain has highlighted the need for an indoor futsal court to advance Maldivian futsal, following the national women’s team’s 11-1 loss in their opening match at the SAFF Women’s Futsal Championship in Nonthaburi, Thailand.

Suzain, who also coaches New Radiant Sports Club and has managed several first-division clubs and the national football team, emphasised that the team showed courage despite the heavy defeat. She noted that lack of indoor training facilities remains a major challenge for the women’s futsal team.

Although land was allocated last year for a multi-storey futsal complex in Hulhumalé, construction has yet to begin. Suzain stressed that developing indoor facilities is a crucial first step for the sport’s growth in the Maldives.