Nasir and Mohamed receive National Awards of Honor in category of Sports

The National Award of Honor has been awarded to Mohamed Nasir (Nabbe) and Ahmed Mohamed (Dhona) in the category of sport.

The duo were awarded the honor by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu during the National Awards Ceremony held at Dharubaaruge, Male' City this morning to commemorate National Day.

Nasir had engaged in a variety of sports, collecting accolades. He is accomplished in football, table tennis, cricket, badminton, basketball, volleyball and hockey as well. Also competing in athletics tournaments, Nasir had triumphed the most thrilling event of the time, bicycle races, several times.

Nasir, who has played for renowned local football clubs such as New Radiant SC and Victory SC is popularly known for his accolades in football. A notable defender at the time, Nasir had heavily contributed to the joint championship claimed by the historic music club during the national football tournament held at Addu City (the southernmost atoll in Maldives) in 1979.

Nasir had also performed for the national football team during the Indian Ocean Island Games held in 1979 at La Réunion, France. His son, Nisham Nasir, currently serves as head coach for the cricket sport and grandchild, Aik Neesham Nasir is dubbed the most promising basketball talent.

Meanwhile, Mohamed, native to Noonu atoll Maradhoo was the best sports administrator the country had ever seen. He remained the longest serving General Secretary of Club Valencia who lifted the country from its initial amateur football identity to a semi professional level.

Mohamed also served as the first general secretary of NSA, the earliest academy officially established in the Maldives by late Mohamed Zahir Naseer. He also worked at the executive committee of the Maldivian Contingent during the first international multisport tournament participated by the Maldives, Indian Ocean Island Games 1979.

Mohamed, who was also a board member of Football Association of Maldives (FAM) had served two terms at the federation's ExCo after elections were mandated. An umpire for both basketball and volleyball, Mohamed remains one of the founders of Soccer Veterans Association incepted for retired athletes.