For the first time, in an effort to promote gender equality, two flagbearers, one male and one female were allowed at the Olympics.

Sprinter Hassan Saaid participating in the men's 100 metres was the only returning athlete from the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

[7] In March 2021, the Athletics Association of Maldives shortlisted six Maldivian sprinters, three males and three females to participate in the games.

[12] After time trials held in June 2021, Saaid was chosen as the athlete that would represent the Maldives at the Olympics.

Fathimath Nabaaha Abdul Razzaq accepted the invitation from the Tripartite Commission and the Badminton World Federation to compete in the women's singles.

[9] In May 2021, it was announced that swimmers Ali Im’aan and Aishath Sausan would represent Maldives at the Olympic Games.

[20] However, in July, it was announced that both athletes were replaced by Mubal Azzam Ibrahim and Aishath Sajina after FINA brought changes to the qualification standards for countries that did not qualify for the Olympics.

[22][23] Mubal was drawn in first heat of the men's 100 m freestyle which was held on 27 July, finishing sixth just ahead of Edgar Iro from the Solomon Islands with a time of 58.37 seconds.

[25] Like Mubal, Sajina qualified after receiving a universality place from FINA, her personal best time of 3 minute, 4.53 seconds was outside the "A" and "B" qualification standard.

[26][23] Sajina took part in heat one of the women's 100 m breaststroke, which was held on 25 July, finishing last out of six swimmers that started, with a time of 1 minute, 33.59 seconds.