GULF WEEKLY-
Beloved Bahraini athletes have returned to high praise from people across the kingdom after a historic performance in this year’s Asian Games in China.
Bahrain moved up the sporting ladder in the overall medal standings to ninth position, up from 12th in comparison to the previous Games’ standing held in Indonesia in 2018.
The kingdom also emerged as the leading nation in the Arab world, securing an impressive total of 20 medals – including 12 gold, three silver and five bronze – an achievement that marked a highpoint in Bahrain’s history of participating in the tournament since an inaugural appearance in New Delhi back in 1982.
“I felt really proud to be part of the delegation that made these historical achievements,” Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) delegation’s Chef de Mission, Ahmed Mohammed Abdulghaffar, told GulfWeekly. Apparently, this was also the biggest delegation size in the history of Bahrain.
Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) delegation’s Chef de Mission, Ahmed Mohammed Abdulghaffar,
“We had 143 athletes participate with a total delegation size of 214,” added Abdulghaffar, the 43-year-old general secretary of the Bahrain Swimming Association, from East Riffa. “I truly appreciate the efforts of all the athletes that participated in the Asian Games. Their hard work and dedication over the years enabled them to achieve these historical results. I cannot describe the feeling of pride and honour once the kingdom’s flag was raised and the national anthem was played.”
It was also a phenomenal showcase from all of the athletes that competed in 17 disciplines including athletics, football, volleyball, basketball, handball, judo, wrestling, shooting, rowing, sailing, cycling, jiu-jitsu, boxing, eSports, table tennis, taekwondo and weightlifting.
The athletics team members alone secured 16 medals, 10 of which were gold, while the wrestling and weightlifting champions brought home two gold medals, in addition to the national handball and jiu-jitsu teams for winning a silver medal each at the same games.
Leading the Bahraini delegation at the closing ceremony was silver-medal clincher Ali Monfaradi, a member of the jiu jitsu team. He had the honour of carrying the kingdom’s flag.
TOP SHOW: Abdhulghaffar in front of a banner featuring Bahrain’s medals
The delegation, including the mission director and members of the administrative and media teams, participated in the festivities, which featured a vibrant showcase of art, music, fireworks, and a parade representing each country … a time Abdulghaffar will always cherish.
“Being in Hangzhou during the 19th Asian Games was a wonderful experience,” added Abdulghaffar. “Seeing the high calibre of athletes from all over Asia (45 nations) was incredible and the organising committee in Hangzhou (HAGOC) did a magnificent job.
“All details were covered and everything was world-class – from the venues to the accommodation at the village – and all the services offered. The volunteers also played a crucial role in helping the delegation to bridge the cultural and language gap.”
While he found several moments during his time there memorable the one that will remain close to his heart was during the opening ceremony – the lighting of the Eternal Flame (the Olympic Torch).
“The technology utilised in the Games was fantastic,” he added. “There was a virtual torch bearer along with the physical torch bearers lighting the torch simultaneously. I highly recommend for anyone who missed this moment to search for it online and view it for themselves.”
Abdulghaffar is thankful for the support of His Majesty King Hamad’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs and Supreme Council for Youth and Sport (SCYS) chairman Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, along with SCYS first deputy chairman, General Sports Authority (GSA) chairman and BOC president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
The closing ceremony
He also praised BOC vice president and Cabinet Affairs Ministry Under-Secretary Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa and head of the Asian Games Delegation and BOC’s secretary general Faris Al Kooheji for their overwhelming support as well.
“Shaikh Isa was with us every step of the way and was always present with us supporting the national teams during their competitions in the Asian Games,” he added. “Also, I thank all of Bahrain’s supporters during the Games – the ones that were here at home and the Chinese fans that supported us during the Games too.”
HISTORICAL ACHIEVEMENTS: Some of the Bahrain delegation members and athletes during the closing ceremony
Now the kingdom’s athletes have their eyes set on making their mark in future competitions.
“The BOC is in the final preparation to participate in the Paris Olympics 2024,” said Abdulghaffar. “As for the future, there is the 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games to be held on February 24 next year in Thailand.”
For details, follow @bahrainolympic on Instragram.