Lanes to Leadership: The Path of a Champion Swimmer Turned Sports Visionary

In the vibrant tapestry of Maldivian swimming, Aminath Shajan, known fondly as Sajan, emerges as a name that stands out for both her aquatic finesse and her leadership out of the water. Today, as the Deputy Minister of Sports, Recreation and Fitness and Interim President of Maldivian Olympians, Sajan channels her deep understanding of athletes’ needs and the broader sports landscape into shaping policies and programs designed to uplift the nation’s sports sector. This role marks a new chapter for her, reflecting her evolution from a national swimming champion, through her academic explorations to a leader poised to drive significant change in Maldivian sports.

Sajan’s journey in the lanes began as unexpectedly as it was natural. “It all started with a certificate I needed for Girl Guides,” she recounted. This initial plunge, intended merely as a step to fulfilling a requirement, unveiled an innate talent. “Swimming was easy for me; I loved it from the start,” she recalled. By 2007, just three years after she began, Sajan had earned a spot on the Maldives National Swimming team. It was a swift rise, yet the hurdles that lay ahead were both physical and deeply rooted in societal norms.

“Let me tell you about what swimming looked like back then,” Sajan began, preparing to dive into the realities of pursuing professional swimming in the Maldives at that time. The early years were marked by a stark lack of facilities, with only the Male’ Swimming Track serving as the primary venue for training. “For pool training, we had access to Hulhule’ Island Hotel, but only close to tournaments,” she recalled, pointing out the significant contrast between training in natural and controlled environments. Securing a scholarship for training abroad was a fortunate turning point for Sajan, exposing her to the regimented and technical world of swimming that was different from what was available at home.

“It was an eye-opener, to say the least,” Sajan reflected. This period of her career, training overseas, not only honed her skills, but also highlighted the disparities in training facilities between Maldives and the other countries. “Seeing the progress now, especially with the development of the Hulhumale’ Indoor Pool is incredibly heartening,” she acknowledged, appreciating the efforts made towards improving sports infrastructure in the Maldives.

The journey was doubly challenging for Sajan as a woman in the sport, confronting both the physical demands and societal perceptions. “There’s this pervasive notion that girls should sideline sports as they grow older,” she pointed out, underlining a significant barrier to women’s continued participation in sports.This societal pressure, coupled with a lack of awareness about the possibilities of balancing sports with academic or career aspirations, led many promising athletes to prematurely end their journeys. “The misconception that sports and studies cannot coexist is still prevalent,” Sajan noted, stressing the importance of fostering a culture that supports dual careers for young athletes.

She spoke candidly about the added layer of difficulties faced by women in securing training opportunities abroad, a crucial step for serious athletes. “I was fortunate to have incredibly supportive parents,” she shared, attributing her ability to pursue training abroad to her family’s backing. However, she recognizes that not all athletes have the same level of support, with many navigating barriers from both family and societal expectations. She also shed light on the unique challenges female swimmers face, stemming from societal perceptions surrounding modesty. “The notion that swimwear is somehow improper has deterred many girls from continuing the sport, regardless of their talent.”

“Today however, the scene is changing and it’s uplifting to see girls pushing boundaries in swimming,” Sajan reflected with pride. The growing number of female athletes training internationally, setting new records and defying societal norms marks a promising move toward inclusivity and gender equality in Maldivian sports.

Transitioning to a defining moment in her career, Sajan recalled the Rio Olympics as one of her most remarkable experiences. “Rio was undoubtedly the best Olympic Games in my swimming career,” she reflected, noting it as a pinnacle where she broke the national record, a feat made all the more impressive considering it came just two months after a shoulder injury.

But her most treasured achievement lies in the South Asian Games, where she secured the first individual swimming medal for the Maldives. “It wasn’t just my victory; it was a milestone for our entire community,” Sajan beamed, recalling the collective euphoria that accompanied her win. This moment for her was so much more than a personal achievement; it was a testament to the potential of Maldivian women in sports and a beacon of hope for future generations.

As she reflects on her illustrious career, her focus shifts towards her next chapter, significantly influenced by her academic pursuits in Sports Management, Sports Ethics and Integrity. These studies have broadened her perspective on global sports issues and inspired her to advocate for change and inclusivity in the Maldivian sports scene. Now, in her capacity as the Deputy Minister of Sports, Recreation and Fitness and Interim President of Maldivian Olympians, Sajan continues to apply her vast experience towards fostering a supportive ecosystem for athletes. She is particularly passionate about increasing female participation in sports, emphasizing the role of education and community support. “It’s about raising awareness among parents, working closely with schools and providing opportunities that can shape young athletes' futures,” she noted. Her advocacy extends to ensuring sports in the Maldives are built on a foundation of inclusivity, accessibility, and equal opportunities, aiming to cultivate a more inclusive environment for all athletes, regardless of gender.

Concluding her story, Sajan’s message to young girls and aspiring athletes is empowering. “Believe in your value and seize the opportunities before you. Know that you can create a space for yourself in any field, including sports,” she advised. Her own story, characterized by remarkable accomplishments, multiple national records and her resilience against societal and cultural barriers, serves as a powerful example of the potential for success when obstacles are confronted and surmounted.

Follow her journey: @sajuushahid

*Disclaimer: This article is based on an interview conducted in November 2023, prior to Sajan’s appointment as Deputy Minister of Sports, Recreation and Fitness. It has been updated to reflect this significant achievement in her continuing journey.