The Maldives Surfing Association has decided not to hold the National Junior Surfing Championship this year.
The association had planned the competition for 29–31 October at Male' Varunulaa Raalhugandu. In a statement posted on social media, it said the dates coincide with O-level examinations, which would leave too few young surfers available to compete. Finding a suitable venue for those dates also proved difficult.
The championship is organised in four categories: under-18, under-16, under-14 and under-18 girls. Last year’s event, the first held after a long gap, attracted 16 competitors in the under-18 category, 14 in under-16, four in under-14 and six in the girls’ category.
The association said the main purpose of the championship is to give equal opportunities to all young surfers and to help develop their skills. It aims to stage a stronger event next year.
No alternative dates have been announced.