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President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu presents a posthumous National Award of Recognition to Ihusan Abdul Galhani (Saanthi)'s family -- Photo/President’s Office

The late Ihusan Abdul Ghanee, widely known in Maldivian football as ‘Saanthi’, has been honoured for his decades of service to the sport and his role in developing generations of Maldivian footballers.

Saanthi was posthumously awarded the National Award of Recognition for his contributions to football, with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu presenting the award to his family during Saturday’s National Day ceremony in HA. Utheemu.

Saanthi died on March 22, 2025, aged 51, following a two-year battle with cancer.

His career included several significant moments in Maldivian football. He served as assistant coach when the Maldives secured a historic draw against South Korea in 2004 and was the senior assistant coach when the national team won its first SAFF Championship in 2008.

He later served as technical director of the Football Association of Maldives when the national team won the regional championship for the second time in 2018.

At club level, Saanthi helped nurture young talent at Club Eagles and guided the side to the 2016 President’s Cup title.

He also travelled across the country conducting coaching camps, identifying promising players from the atolls and helping them develop their football careers.

Saanthi began his sporting career as a midfielder for Majeediyya School and Youth Sports Club before moving into coaching at a young age.

The National Award of Recognition was also presented to seven other individuals and one company for contributions to various fields.

Acclaimed writer and historian Ahmed Shakir, known as Kashima Shakir, was also honoured with the Order of the Dignified Rule of the Dhiyamigili Dynasty for more than 41 years of uninterrupted service to the country.