In recognition of his distinguished and invaluable service to the Maldivian nation in the field of sports, particularly in the training and coaching of football players, the National Award of Recognition has been conferred posthumously on the Late Ihusan Abdul Ghanee (Saanthi) of G. Ilaa.

Widely known in the Maldivian football community as ‘Saanthi’, Ihusan Abdul Ghanee was one of the most prominent and successful coaches in the history of Maldivian football. He began his sporting career as a skilled midfielder for Majeediyya School and Youth Sports Club before specialising in coaching at a young age.

Ihusan Abdul Ghanee played a significant role in some of the greatest achievements in Maldivian football history. Notably, he served as Assistant Coach during the historic 2004 match in which the Maldives held Asian football powerhouse South Korea to a draw.

When the Maldives won the SAFF Championship for the first time in 2008, he served as the most senior Assistant Coach to the Head Coach. A decade later, when the Maldives won the SAFF Championship for the second time, he served as Technical Director of the Football Association of Maldives (FAM). At club level, introducing young talent to Club Eagles and guiding the team to victory in the 2016 President’s Cup stand among the most notable achievements of his coaching career.

Ihusan Abdul Ghanee was a dedicated servant of the sport who conducted coaching camps across the country, identified talented young players from the atolls, brought them to Malé and helped develop them into accomplished footballers. He devoted his life to advancing Maldivian football and creating opportunities for future generations.

Ihusan Abdul Ghanee (Saanthi) passed away on 22 March 2025.