ON BEHALF of His Majesty King Hamad, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, attended a ceremony to honour the King’s representative for humanitarian works and youth affairs and Royal Endurance Team Captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
The event at the National Action Charter monument yesterday was in celebration of Shaikh Nasser being ranked first in the world in the international classification of endurance sports, following his victory in the 160km FEI Endurance World Championship held in the United Arab Emirates.
The championship featured tough competition among 126 riders from 36 countries in Boudheib International Endurance Village where Shaikh Nasser took first place.
Supreme Council for Youth and Sports first deputy chairman, General Sports Authority chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa addressed the gathering in which he highlighted HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister’s commitment to the sports and youth sector.
Shaikh Khalid added that Shaikh Nasser’s victory at the world championship was a reflection of the kingdom’s continued accomplishments in sports.
HRH Prince Salman then presented the Royal Endurance Team Captain with the Order of Ahmad Al Fateh and the Efficiency Medal award to members of the Royal Endurance Team.
A film titled The Story of a Champion, written by Abdul Rahman Al Midfa, was also shown documenting Shaikh Nasser’s victory in the UAE and showcasing his leadership of the Royal Endurance Team.
Artists Ahmed Al Hermi, Nizar Abdulla, and Rashid Handhal presented a lyrical piece – inspired by the poet Younes Salman – accompanied by a special presentation of drones, through which a mural of the historical achievement was drawn. Rashid Handhal sang “Song of the World Champion” to commemorate the occasion.
His Majesty expressed his appreciation to Shaikh Nasser for his achievement, noting his success was motivated by the “authentic Bahraini spirit”.
The King expressed his gratitude for the ceremony, honouring a new national achievement accomplished by one of Bahrain’s noble sons, who was determined to win and raise the kingdom’s flag on the international sporting stage.
HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister commended the advanced levels achieved by the people of Bahrain in various sports, which reflect the visions of His Majesty. He congratulated Shaikh Nasser on his achievement, and his contribution to making Bahrain a global competitor in endurance sport.
Shaikh Nasser extended his gratitude for His Majesty’s sponsorship of the ceremony, noting the King’s and HRH Prince Salman’s continued commitment to supporting the kingdom’s athletes leading to their success.
At the end of the ceremony, which was attended by a number of senior officials, Royal Family members and athletes, a memento was presented to HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
&uuid=(email))