Ibrahim Ismail has left the sports arena after resigning from the National Sports Council.

The 70-year-old sport veteran resigned on Monday, after 44 years in the industry in various capacities.

Ismail said that “it is time” for him to retire and take a step back, and added that “every things has an end.”

He stressed that he will not be working in the industry, in any capacity, but that he will continue to provide assistance to those that require “for free.”

Sports Minister Ahmed Mahloof spoke regarding Ismail’s retirement during an interview to RaajjeTV’s sport programme on Monday night, and revealed that he had shared similar sentiments previously as well.

While Ismail recently recovered from Covid-19, Mahloof said that he had spoken about retirement then, noting that his family has been requesting him to do so.

Despite this, Mahloof said that Ismail remained as the president of the sports council upon his request.

Highlighting Ismail’s invaluable contributions to the sports industry, the minister said that he will continue to seek his assistance ‘whenever possible.’

Ismail was among the members appointed to the National Sports Council following establishment, and was appointed its president in September 2016. While the council was abolished and reformed by the incumbent government, Ismail was once again appointed president.

Ismail, who had previously served as the president of the Maldives Olympic Committee as well, has been described as “a father of sport” in the Maldives.

He also excelled in a number of sports during younger years, including football, cricket and tennis.

Ismail had also served in the education field for 43 years, before retiring in 2018.