Bahrain Shines with 18 Medals at Gulf Youth Games
UAE – Reported by Hisham Jaafar (Photography – Jaber Abdullah/Ali Al-Halwaji):
At the first Gulf Youth Games in the United Arab Emirates, running from May 16 to May 2, 2024, the Bahraini national teams have impressively increased their medal haul to a total of 18, featuring an equal distribution of six gold, six silver, and six bronze medals.
Significant Wins for Athletes with Determination
The “People with Determination” athletics team made a remarkable entrance, securing six medals. Zeina Al-Boushi clinched a gold in discus throw with a mark of 3.41 meters, while Sayed Hussein Mahmoud dominated the same event for males, throwing 21.37 meters to take another gold. Mahmoud also added a silver in the standing shot put with a throw of 7.91 meters. Additionally, Ahmed Nader Nouh earned two silver medals in the wheelchair races over 100 meters and 200 meters, clocking times of 18.1 seconds and 30.10 seconds, respectively. Fatima Al-Sayed Ahmed contributed with a silver in shot put, achieving a throw of 3.90 meters.
Athletics Team Secures First Gold
In athletics, Ahmed Sabry Mahmoud captured the team's first gold medal of the games in the high jump, clearing a height of 1.91 meters, marking a stellar start for the athletics team.
Jiu-Jitsu Team Adds to the Medal Tally
The national jiu-jitsu team also made their mark by winning two silver and one bronze medal. Youssef Mersal won silver in the under-56 kg category for under-16s, and Sayed Adnan Sharaf matched this achievement in the same weight class for under-18s. Ahmed Al-Banna rounded out the wins with a bronze in the 62 kg category for under-18s.
The award ceremony was held at the Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Abu Dhabi, with dignitaries including Mr. Redha Munfardi, President of the Bahraini Jiu-Jitsu Federation, and Ahmed Janahi, Vice President and Technical Committee Member of the Jiu-Jitsu Competition, presenting the medals. This event marked the conclusion of participation for Bahrain’s Jiu-Jitsu and Taekwondo teams in the tournament.
Today's National Team Events
Today, Bahrain's national teams are participating in multiple sports as the Gulf Games continue. The football team is set to face the UAE team in their second round match at Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi, at 3:45 PM Bahrain time. After a narrow loss to Kuwait, the Bahraini team is eager to rejuvenate their campaign against the Emirati team, which also seeks redemption after a defeat to Oman. The match will be live-streamed on the Bahrain Olympic Committee’s YouTube channel.
Badminton and Sailing Competitions Begin
The badminton team starts their group stage matches in the mixed team event at 10:00 AM today at the Zayed Sports Complex in Fujairah. The team includes Nasser Al-Nakas, Mr. Ibrahim Hassan, Nour Hassan, and Fatima Hassan.
Meanwhile, the sailing team begins their competition today at the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club after initial delays due to low wind speeds. The competition features 12 races across various boat classes including Op Tamist, Alka 4, and Alka 6, involving 48 athletes. Team members include Khalifa Al-Dosari, Walid Abdullah, Abrar Al-Ali, and Malak Al-Dossari.
People of Determination Team Concludes with High Hopes
The “People of Determination” team concludes their participation today, aiming to build on their initial success of winning four medals. The athletics team will also wrap up their events with show jumping at the Dubai Police Officers Club Stadium, seeking to achieve top results and set new records.
Volleyball and Handball Teams Begin Their Campaigns
The volleyball and handball teams arrived last evening to join the ongoing Gulf Youth Games. The volleyball team is scheduled to play against Kuwait on Saturday at the Al-Nasr Club hall in Dubai. The handball team will start their matches on the same day at the Al-Bataeh Club hall in Sharjah, following the finalization of the match schedule.
Both teams are prepared to compete vigorously, aiming to secure top honors and possibly clinch gold medals through commendable performances.
