The conversation around the Maldives Sports Awards has taken a sharp turn this year. Instead of focusing on athletes and their achievements, social media has been flooded with accusations, speculation, and personal attacks. One name at the center of it all is Umair Mohamed Muizzu.

The main claim being pushed online is simple: he was nominated because he is the First Son.

But when you look at the facts, that argument falls apart.

The Maldives Sports Awards ceremony, scheduled for 15 February, is meant to recognize performances in 2024. Not 2025. Not future potential. Not personal connections. The awards are about results achieved during the 2024 season.

And in 2024, Umair delivered results.

In table tennis alone, he won 13 medals across major competitions. That is not a small accomplishment in any sport, especially in a competitive field like table tennis where consistency, discipline, and mental strength matter just as much as talent.

Here is what he achieved in 2024:

At the South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship, he secured a Bronze Medal in Under-19 Boys Doubles. Competing at a regional level and earning a podium finish is significant for any young athlete.

At the 62nd National Table Tennis Tournament, he won Bronze in Division 1 Men’s Singles. Division 1 is not a junior category. It places him among top-level competitors.

At national-level tournaments, he earned:

Gold in Under-15 Boys Singles

Gold in Under-17 Boys Doubles

Silver in Under-17 Boys Singles

Silver in Division 1 Men’s Doubles

Silver in Under-15 Boys Doubles

Silver in Under-17 Mixed Doubles

At the 30th Table Tennis Association Championship, he added even more to his record:

Gold in Under-15 Boys Singles

Gold in Under-15 Boys Doubles

Gold in Under-17 Boys Singles

Gold in Under-17 Boys Doubles

Silver in Under-17 Boys Singles

Silver in Under-17 Mixed Doubles

Thirteen medals in a single year. Multiple golds across age groups. Medals in both singles and doubles. Success at youth and Division 1 levels.

That is not a symbolic record. It is a competitive one.

The Ministry has also clarified that this February ceremony is specifically to celebrate achievements from 2024. There will be another ceremony later for 2025 performances. The nominations are tied strictly to what athletes accomplished during that year.

So the real question becomes: is it fair to dismiss an athlete’s work simply because of who his father is?

Athletes train for years to earn moments like these. Early mornings. Long practice sessions. Missed holidays. Pressure to perform. None of those disappear because of a family name.

Disagreeing with a nomination is one thing. Publicly attacking a young athlete is another.

Based on his 2024 record alone, Umair Mohamed Muizzu meets the standard for recognition. His nomination reflects performance and measurable achievement, not status.

The Maldives Sports Awards exist to celebrate athletes who gave their best in the year that passed. The focus should remain where it belongs: on performance, discipline, and results.

Criticism is part of sport. Bullying should not be.

If we want stronger athletes in the future, we need to encourage them when they succeed, not tear them down for circumstances they cannot control.