His Excellency Mr Ali Isa Ishaqi, Chairman of the Executive Committee for the International School Games (Bahrain 2024), which is being hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain until October 31 under the esteemed patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, has highlighted the tournament as a genuine starting point for cultivating future world and Olympic champions. Ishaqi emphasised that this international event serves as a vital platform for discovering young talent and nurturing their potential on the global stage.

He remarked, “His Majesty the King’s patronage of this event holds deep significance, placing a responsibility on every Bahraini to showcase our Kingdom’s noble image.” He continued, “The guidance of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, has been pivotal to Bahrain’s success at all levels. This has been further strengthened by the dedicated oversight of His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education and Chairman of the Supreme Organising Committee.”

Ishaqi noted that the current results are inspiring for all participating teams, with athletes delivering outstanding performances that hint at a bright future. He expressed optimism, stating that these achievements serve as an essential foundation for developing athletes who can represent Bahrain in future international arenas, adding that this success enhances Bahrain’s reputation as a trusted global sports destination. Participants have widely praised Bahrain’s impeccable organisation and warm hospitality, reinforcing the Kingdom’s status as a centre capable of hosting major international events.

The initial performances by Bahraini teams have been promising, indicating a strong potential for sports in the Kingdom. Ishaqi underscored that these accomplishments mark the first steps in cultivating future champions capable of proudly representing Bahrain on the world stage.

He extended his gratitude to the numerous working committees whose efforts led to the tournament’s exceptional organisation, from preparations for the general assembly to the widely acclaimed opening ceremony. Ishaqi also acknowledged the crucial role of official authorities and sponsoring companies, whose support has bolstered international confidence in Bahrain’s ability to deliver world-class sporting events. The session has received extensive praise from participating countries, both for its well-executed organisation and Bahraini hospitality.

Ishaqi added that this event inspires future generations to strive for excellence in sports, reinforcing Bahrain’s commitment to excelling in both sports and event organisation, which is in line with the Kingdom’s ambitions and aspirations for the future.

International School Games (Bahrain 2024) Resumes with Intense Competitions Across Multiple Venues

Today, Monday, the ISF Games (Bahrain 2024) resumes, with a variety of events taking place across the Kingdom’s sports facilities. The Bahrain National Stadium hosts a full slate of athletics and Paralympic athletics competitions, drawing enthusiastic participants from around the world.

In the Bahrain Handball Association Hall in Umm Al Hassam, the final matches of the first round of the handball competitions are underway. Bahrain (1) team has already secured its place in the semi-finals after triumphing over teams from Bulgaria and Benin, while Bahrain (2) team seeks to secure its own qualification in a decisive match against Saudi Arabia at 3:00 p.m.

The "Padel Plus" hall at Bahrain Mall continues to be a focal point for padel competitions, following the celebration of Bahrain’s bronze medal win in the under-16 doubles category by the team of Abdul Aziz Sabt and Abdul Rahman Al Marbati. Table tennis competitions are also in full swing at Hall B, where Bahrain’s presence is strong, with five teams competing in the boys’ events.

In beach volleyball, Bahrain (1) team advanced to the second round after defeating Saudi and Puerto Rico, while Bahrain (5) team qualified after victories over Bangladesh and Slovenia.

Isa Sports City hosts the ongoing 3x3 basketball competitions, with Bahrain’s boys' and girls' teams competing against various opponents. Additional competitions scheduled today include the sixth and seventh rounds of chess at the American University, tennis at the Tennis Federation courts at the Polytechnic and Bahrain Club in Juffair, and wrestling, boxing, swimming, and gymnastics events across various facilities.

Executive Committee Hosts Cultural Tours Showcasing Bahrain’s Heritage for International School Games Delegations

On Sunday, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority organised extensive cultural tours for delegations participating in the International School Games (Bahrain 2024), offering an exploration of Bahrain’s rich historical and cultural landmarks. These tours highlighted iconic sites that showcase the Kingdom's storied heritage.

The tour commenced at Bahrain Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on Bahrain's northern coast. With roots tracing back to around 2300 BC, this ancient fort was a cultural hub of the Dilmun civilisation, making it a captivating destination for those interested in ancient history.

Participants then visited Manama Souq, one of Bahrain’s oldest traditional markets located in the heart of the capital. Renowned for its wide array of products, the souq embodies Bahrain’s vibrant trading culture.

The itinerary also included a stop at the Bahrain National Museum, the Gulf’s first national museum, which opened in 1988. Housing a vast collection of artefacts, the museum presents Bahrain’s history spanning over five millennia. Visitors also experienced the modern marvel of the Bahrain International Circuit, host of the annual Formula 1 race and other major sports events.

A visit to Beit Al-Siyadi on Muharraq Island offered insight into traditional Bahraini architecture. Built-in the 19th century, this historic home reflects the Kingdom’s architectural heritage and craftsmanship.

The tour concluded at the Bu Maher Fort, marking the entry point of Bahrain’s famed Pearling Path, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This site, integral to Bahrain’s economic history, narrates the story of the pearl industry that shaped Bahrain’s cultural and economic identity.

These tours provided a unique opportunity to promote Bahrain’s cultural tourism, delivering an enriching experience for visitors of all ages.

Brazil Leads Overall Rankings as Bahrain Secures Third Place Among Arab Nations at International School Games

Brazil has surged to the top of the medals table following the second day of the International School Games in Bahrain, which run until October 31. The Brazilian team has amassed an impressive 64 medals, including 26 gold, surpassing Romania, which sits in second place with a total of 79 medals, 21 of which are gold. This competitive tally highlights the diversity and intensity of the tournament.

In the detailed standings, the People’s Republic of China holds third place with 29 medals, including 12 gold, while Hungary follows in fourth with 31 medals, also securing 12 gold. The United States rounds out the top five with 36 medals, featuring 11 gold medals.

Among Arab nations, Algeria ranks sixth with a total of 35 medals, 8 of which are gold, while Morocco follows in seventh place with 20 medals, including 7 gold. Bahrain, maintaining a position within the top ten, is ranked tenth overall with a total of 21 medals—5 gold, 5 silver, and 11 bronze. This achievement places Bahrain third among Arab participants, reflecting the strong and competitive performances of the Bahraini teams throughout the tournament.

Bahraini Duo Sabt and Al-Marbati Capture Bronze in Under-16 Padel at International School Games

The Bahraini pair Abdulaziz Sabt and Abdulrahman Al-Marbati made a notable achievement by securing the bronze medal in the under-16 boys’ padel competition at the International School Games in Bahrain. Their victory came after a competitive match against Faisal Burashid and Mohammed Fahad Al-Mulla, showcasing their skill and determination to stand out in the tournament.

Earlier, Sabt and Al-Marbati were narrowly edged out in the semi-finals by the Emirati duo Hamad Abdullah and Ahmed Al-Hashemi. The gold and silver in this category went to the Emirati teams, with Qassim Mohammed and Rashid Walid taking first place in the final match, defeating their fellow Emirati teammates, Abdullah and Al-Hashemi, who secured the silver.

In the mixed doubles competition, Chilean duo Pedro Yanez Guevara and Maria Jose Mora Valer claimed the gold medal, outperforming their fellow Chileans Jorge Ruiz Fuentes and Cecilia Fola Silva, who earned silver. The Hungarian team, represented by Oliver Giresse and Lotti Balassi, took the bronze medal.

Austrian Expert Gerhard Leads Technical Seminar for Handball Referees at Bahrain 2024

On Sunday, a specialised technical seminar was conducted for handball referees, led by Austrian international lecturer Gerhard, as part of the International School Games "Bahrain 2024" at the Bahrain Handball Federation headquarters.

The session attracted a large number of referees, with Gerhard delivering essential guidance and analysis on the latest updates in arbitration laws and their practical application. Through a review of various arbitration scenarios, the seminar aimed to enhance the referees’ skills and elevate their technical capabilities.

Ghassan Amir, Chairman of the Referees Committee at the Bahrain Handball Federation and referees coordinator for the event, attended the seminar and praised the high participation and productive interaction between Gerhard and the referees. He highlighted the value of such technical sessions in advancing arbitration standards in Bahrain and enriching the experience of participating referees.

“Night of Nations” Celebrates Global Cultures and Fosters Unity at Bahrain 2024

Isa Sports City hosted the vibrant “Night of Nations” as part of the International School Games “Bahrain 2024,” bringing together cultures from around the globe in an atmosphere of cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

Held in the “FUN ZONE” area, the event drew a large audience from participating delegations and local attendees. Each delegation showcased a unique pavilion, creatively reflecting their country’s heritage and culture, adding a colourful tapestry of diverse civilisations to the venue.

The “Night of Nations” featured a series of musical performances and traditional dances from the various delegations, with each group taking the stage for a two-minute segment. This format highlighted the distinct artistic and cultural elements of each country’s national heritage.

The audience responded enthusiastically to the array of performances, which underscored the rich cultural diversity of the participants and fostered a spirit of camaraderie and cultural exchange. The event strengthened friendships and understanding among the attending nations.

Participants expressed their admiration and gratitude for the organisers, praising the event for creating a rare opportunity for meaningful cultural communication among countries.