Abdulla Rafiu, with an educational background in sports medicine, has been appointed to the role of Minister of Sports, Fitness, and Recreation. Prior to this appointment, he demonstrated his expertise by serving as the medical leader for the national team in Olympic sports tournaments since 2019. His dedication to athletes’ well-being dates back to 2003, where he has consistently worked to support athletes across diverse sports in maintaining optimal health.

Dr. Rafiu has led the medical team in international sporting events representing some of the country's clubs and the national teams of the country. Dr. Rafiu led the medical team in 2015, 2019 and 2023, when the country last competed in the Indian Ocean Island Games (IOIG).

Rafiu had earlier taken over as a doctor for the national football team.

The mandate of the Sports Ministry also includes the activities of the Maldives National Institute of Sports. The agency will work to achieve the objectives set out by the Maldives National Institute of Sports under Section 37 of the Maldives Sports Act.