A renowned Maldivian football coach who has provided valuable services to football in the island nation, Ihusan Abdul Ghani, more commonly known as Coach Saanthi, has passed away.

Coach Saanthi passed away at the age of 51 some time on Saturday night. RaajjeMV understands that he died while receiving treatment at Tree Top Hospital.

At the time of his death, Coach Saanthi had been undergoing treatment for cancer.

Coach Saanthi, who has provided many services to Maldivian football, has worked for several clubs in the Maldives as well as the Maldives national football team.

Coach Saanthi also worked as the assistant coach of the Maldives senior national football team. When the Maldives won the regional football tournament (SAFF Championship) in 2008, Coach Saanthi had put in a tremendous amount of work, that year.

Most recently, Coach Saanthi was in the position of coach of Club Eagles. He left the position in 2023 due to his ailment. In addition to Club Eagles, Coach Saanthi also coached United Victory and Club Eydhafushi.

In addition to his coaching career, Coach Saanthi also provided many services in football administration. As such, he also held the position of Technical Director of the Football Association of Maldives (FAM).

Further, Coach Saanthi also held the position of Chairman of the Maldives Sports Corporation.

Following Coach Saanthi's passing, prominent figures in sports, several athletes, and many members of the public have been expressing their condolences and offering sympathies to the bereaved family.