Mohamed Haanim has been appointed as Sports Commissioner of the Maldives.

Haanim, who had been serving as deputy sports commissioner since early this year, was promoted to Sports Commissioner after the outgoing Mohamed Tholal was appointed to a ministerial position at the President’s Office.

In a press release this Monday, the President’s Office announced Tholal’s appointment to Principal Secretary to the President on Policy. The press release stated that Tholal has “made significant contributions to the advancement of sports in the Maldives”.

Over the years, Haanim, who was a popular figure on morning television, famous for presenting the wellness segment on the TVM program ‘Hen’dhunu Hen’dhunaa’, held multiple influential positions in sports administration as well. These positions include General Secretary at the Football Association of Maldives and Athletics Association of Maldives.

Haanim was also team manager of the national football squad that won Maldives the SAFF Championship trophy back in 2008.