One of the largest international sporting events in the Maldives, Visit Maldives Pro 2024 which is part of the Bodyboarding IBC World Tour, officially kicked off today.

Visit Maldives Pro 2024 officially launched with a special ceremony held at the Raalhugandu today. The competitive heats of the event are scheduled to start tomorrow morning.

The opening ceremony held today saw various cultural performances alongside exciting dance numbers.

Minister of Sports Abdullah Rafiu, who was the chief guest at today's event, highlighted that they had begun preparing for the event about two months ago, stressing that Ministry timelines have been met only with the hard work and efforts of the MBBA.

He also revealed that a swimming and surfing arena will be set up in Raalhugandu once the tournament is completed.

The Minister had also wished all the Maldivian athletes success in the tournament.

Maldives Bodyboarding Association (MBBA) President Hussain Nizam had thanked all those involved in organizing the event. He also thanked all the event sponsors and partners.

Nizam added that he was pleased with the government's cooperation in hosting the tournament and hoped that all the athletes would have a happy time in the Maldives.

The officials meeting and athletes briefing for Visit Maldives Pro 2024 was held yesterday. The event will run from today until August 9, with a total of 86 athletes from 14 countries set to compete in the tournament.

The Visit Maldives Pro 2024 will feature 15 athletes from the Maldives. The Maldives Pro has become popular among the world's athletes following great organization these past two years.

One Sports has been appointed as the online media partner of the tournament this year and will provide special coverage of the tournament.