Minister of Sports Abdullah Rafiu has invited the athletes competing in Visit Maldives 2024 to experience the country's hospitality in the pleasant environment of the Maldives.

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.

Speaking at today's ceremony, Rafiu said the Visit Maldives Pro 2024 is the result of a lot of hard work, and thanked the Maldives Bodyboarding Association for that. The minister also extended a warm welcome to all the athletes from abroad.

"It is gratifying to all of you to take time out of your busy schedules and come and compete in these pleasant waves of the Maldives. Maldives is the only country in Asia to host the bodyboarding world tour. Thank you IBC for facilitating this for all Maldivians," he added.

"During your time in the Maldives, please enjoy the hospitality of Maldives. We are honored to host this significant event, we are delighted that top athletes all across the world are here to participate in this monumentous event," he said.

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.