Tennis – Tunisian tennis player and title holder Aziz Dougaz, ranked first among Arabs and 227th globally, defeated Syrian player Hazem Naw 7/6, 1/6, 10/3 to clinch the 4th Arab Tennis Elite Championship.
Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa attended the finale. The tournament was organised by the ministry in co-operation with the Bahrain Tennis Federation (BTF) and the Arab Tennis Federation (ATF).
The event was held at the Public Security Officers Club and featured top Arab players ranked by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
The event was also attended by Adviser to His Majesty King Hamad for youth and sports affairs Saleh Al Mannai; Kuwaiti Ambassador Shaikh Thamer Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah; Public Security Chief Lieutenant General Tariq Al Hassan; and ATF president Shaikh Ahmed Al Jaber Al Abdullah Al Sabah.
General Shaikh Rashid emphasised that hosting this Arab sporting event in Bahrain reflects the kingdom’s enhanced position and capabilities in the international sports arena. He attributed the success to the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad, as well as the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
He also highlighted the successful initiatives of His Majesty’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs and Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa in advancing the youth and sports sectors.
The minister noted that the ATP Challenger Tennis Championship winning the Best Asia Pacific Championship Award reflects the efforts and dedication to high organisational standards, achieved through co-operation between all concerned entities.
He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to enhancing sports levels and encouraging effective participation across various sporting domains to maintain Bahrain’s excellence in the international sports arena.
General Shaikh Rashid commended the high organisational standards of the 4th Arab Elite Tennis Championship and the successful participation of internationally ranked tennis players, which contributed to fostering regional competition and discovering new talents.
He commended the players’ sportsmanship and performance and expressed gratitude to the BTF, the ATF, the Public Security Sports Association, and the Public Security Officers Club for their combined efforts in ensuring the championship’s success.
General Shaikh Rashid presented the winners with trophies and commemorative gifts and wished them continued success.
Many Arab Federations presidents and officials praised Bahrain’s distinguished hosting of the championship.
Tunisian Tennis Federation president Salma Muwalhi commended the remarkable progress of the Arab Tennis Federation’s activities under the presidency of Shaikh Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah. She noted that this development reflects a strategic vision to promote the game in the Arab region and boost professionalism. She also commended the efforts of BTF and the Public Security Officers Club to ensure a successful organisation of the event.
Egyptian Tennis Federation president Ismail Al Shafei praised Bahrain’s development in various fields, compared to his last visit to the kingdom 40 years ago. He also commended the semi-final played by Egyptian Mohammed Safwat and his Tunisian opponent Aziz Dougaz, describing the match as one of the best competitions in the championship.
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