On Wednesday 5 February 2025, the Ministry of Youth and Sports hosted a cash prize ceremony at the Citadelle Mall in Port Louis to honor Mauritian athletes for their outstanding performances in various international competitions during the last three months of 2024. The event was attended by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Darmarajen Nagalingum and Junior Minister of Youth and Sports, Mrs. Eileen Karen Lee Chin Foo Kune-Bacha, along with coaches, athletes and their families.
In his address, Minister Nagalingum emphasized the importance of recognizing the dedication and perseverance of the athletes, along with the invaluable contributions of their coaching staff. He reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting sports development and ensuring that Mauritian athletes receive the recognition they deserve. Discussing the challenging training conditions faced by athletes, he noted that initiatives are being implemented to provide a more favorable environment for them to achieve their goals. Furthermore, the Minister underscored the need to decentralize sports development to enable more athletes to be recognized and supported. He highlighted the importance of identifying hidden talents across different regions of the country, with efforts underway to nurture and develop these potentials. He called on Youth and Sports Officers to identify promising athletes within their regions through structured activities, talent detection, and training programs.
According to Minister Nagalingum, collaboration and collective goodwill among all stakeholders are essential to drive progress in sports, ultimately benefiting the country, the athletes, and the youth, ensuring that sports development initiatives have a lasting impact.
For her part, Junior Minister Foo Kune-Bacha remarked that the achievements of the athletes symbolize the daily sacrifices and dedication required to balance rigorous training with other commitments. She commended the government’s efforts and relevant ministries in fostering an environment conducive to athletic excellence. Moreover, the Junior Minister encouraged athletes to act as role models, inspiring young people, especially women and girls, to engage in sports and contribute to the nation’s success. She also praised the coaches, schools and sports associations for their vital role in guiding and supporting athletes in their professional development.