The Maldives Olympic Committee have sent a delegation to Botswana ©MOC

Five athletes and an official from the Maldives Olympic Committee have travelled to Botswana to carry out extensive training ahead of the Rio 2016 Games.

It is hoped the trip will be the beginning of a long term link-up between the two countries, which could see them share resources and experiences.

The Maldives delegation is based at the Botswana National Sports Commission’s Athletes Village and they will train at the National Stadium in the capital Gaborone, under the guidance of the Botswana Athletics Association.

Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) Chief Executive Tuelo Serufho welcomed the party from the Indian Ocean island nation.

A Maldives delegation has travelled to Botswana
A Maldives delegation has travelled to Botswana ©Getty Images

“We are delighted with the arrangement, it is such an honour to us for Maldives to have chosen Botswana for their final leg of training and preparation for Rio 2016 Olympic Games, ahead of many other countries they could have elected," he said. 

Ahmed Marzooq, the secretary general of the Maldives Olympic Committee (MOC), added: "As a small nation, with limited resources, by opening their arms to accept and help us, it is a great message to big countries with all the facilities and resources.

"Botswana is showing what sports is all about.

"It’s about helping each other with resources they have."

The Maldives are yet to win a medal at the Olympic Games.

Botswana won one medal at London 2012, courtesy of Nijel Amos in the 800 metres.