President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced plans to redevelop Galolhu Stadium into a multi-purpose sports and recreational facility.

Speaking at a press conference, the President said the project would involve removing existing shops, widening surrounding roads and creating walking paths. The stadium’s sand and artificial turf surfaces will also be replaced with a new pitch, while seating facilities will be developed.

The redeveloped area will accommodate football and other sporting activities, as well as sports events and recreational activities.

Galolhu Stadium has remained largely unused for several years after its southern and eastern sections were closed in 2019 on safety grounds. The venue was last used during the 2021 SAFF Championship.

Previous plans to redevelop the stadium using financial assistance from India did not materialise. The former administration had proposed allocating approximately USD 25 million from a USD 40 million Indian loan facility for the project.