State Dignitary Honorable Mohamed Zahir Naseer has passed away early this Wednesday morning, at M. Merry Gold, Malé. He was 87 years old at the time of demise.

On receiving the news, President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom spoke with the family by phone, and extended his condolences. During the conversation, the President noted that he received the news with unfathomable sorrow. The President also highlighted the late Mohamed Zahir Naseer’s innumerable and invaluable services to the Nation, the Government and the People of Maldives; especially in the area of Sports.

Following the passing of Honorable Mohamed Zahir Naseer, the President has declared the Maldivian Flag be flown at half-mast, on 26th May 2016, as an observance of National mourning.

State Dignitary, Mohamed Zahir Naseer began his employment in the Government as Secretary to Foreign Counsel at the Ministry of Home Affairs. His exemplary service to the Government, and People, of the Maldives, in diverse sectors, exceeds that of 50 years.

The late Mohamed Zahir Naseer is most celebrated for his work in sports development. In the past 60 years he played a vital role in developing the sector by providing invaluable services to sports in the Maldives.

Honorable Mohamed Zahir Naseer, in service to national sports throughout his tenure, made several key contributions as; Counsel at Sports Division, Advisor on Youth Welfare & Recreation and Consultant on Youth Welfare & Recreation.

The Late Mohamed Zahir Naseer’s most notable services include his unparalleled contribution to the Nasir Sports Academy; later renamed New Sports Academy.
Of significant note is that Honorable Mohamed Zahir Naseer contributed to sports not only as a Government official but also in his personal capacity; at times personally funding efforts to develop athletes.

The late Mohamed Zahir Naseer was a recognized figure from Maldives within the International Sports arena – it was under his leadership that the Maldives first participated in an International Olympic event.

Honorable Mohamed Zahir Naseer had filled the post of Honorary President of the Maldives Carom Association and the Maldives Olympic Committee. He served as President of the Maldives Olympic Committee for close to 30 years. He represented the Maldives as the President of the Asian Olympic Federation and the Treasurer of the International Carom Federation. He was also a member of the Olympic Council’s Finance Committee.

In 1979, Honorable Mohamed Zahir Naseer received the National Award of Recognition, and in 1992, the National Award of Honor, for Exceptional Contributions to the Development of Sports in the Maldives.

He had received the Honorary Shield for Invaluable Service to the Government; having exceeded 50 years of service to the nation.

On 26th July 2011, the Late Mohamed Zahir Naseer was conferred the Order of Distinguished Rule of Izzuddeen.