Emirates - Reported by Hisham Jaafar:
At the ongoing Gulf Youth Games in the UAE, set to conclude on May 2, 2024, Bahrain's teams have once again demonstrated their prowess, boosting their total medal count to 33, which includes 9 gold, 11 silver, and 13 bronze. The games have seen participation from over 3,500 athletes competing across 24 sports under the theme "Our Gulf is One... Our Youth is Promising."
Al-Shiraa’ Team Secures Multiple Sailing Medals
The national sailing team, Al-Shiraa, claimed four medals—three silver and one bronze—in the sailing events held at the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club. The competitions concluded with a ceremony attended by Shaikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Marine Sports Federation, who presented medals to the winners. Notably, Walid Tawfiq Daraan won silver in the ELICA 6 category, Khalifa Al-Dosari in the ALICA 4 category, and Malak Al-Dosari in the Optimum category. Abrar Al-Ali took home the bronze in the ALICA 4 competition.
Volleyball Team Triumphs Over Qatar
Bahrain's volleyball team maintained their unbeaten streak with a decisive win over Qatar at the Al-Nasr Club hall in Dubai. The team delivered an impressive performance, winning in straight sets (25-9, 25-17, 25-17), which elevated their points tally to 6, further solidifying their position in the tournament.
Handball Team Faces Narrow Defeat
Meanwhile, the handball team endured a close defeat to Kuwait, with the final score of 30-29 at the Al Batha Club hall in Sharjah. Despite a six-goal deficit at halftime (18-12), the Bahraini team rallied to tie the score at 29-29 by the 28th minute of the second half. However, Kuwait clinched the match with a goal in the closing seconds, marking Bahrain’s second loss in the tournament.
National Teams Vie for Top Honors in Final Rounds
Bahrain's national teams continue their competitive streak on the seventh day of the Gulf Games, participating in five key sports. The badminton team wraps up its competitions today with morning and afternoon sessions at the Zayed Sports Complex in Fujairah. After collecting four medals in earlier rounds, the team aims to add more victories and medals in today's singles, doubles, and mixed doubles final rounds starting at 10:00 AM, Bahrain time.
Volleyball and Football Teams Pursue Crucial Wins
The volleyball team is set to face the Saudi national team at noon at the Al-Nasr Club hall in Dubai. Positioned strongly with six points, today's pivotal match could enhance their lead and edge them closer to winning the gold medal. Meanwhile, the national football team faces a decisive game against Oman at 7:30 PM at Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Following losses to Kuwait and the UAE, a victory today is crucial for improving their standings in a tournament currently led by Kuwait with six points.
Chess and Handball Seek Positive Outcomes
The chess team competes in three matches in the Fast Chess - Individual category at the Sharjah Cultural Club. Following Marwan Al-Binali's earlier bronze medal win, the team is optimistic about today's competitions. Simultaneously, the handball team, playing its third match against Qatar at 3:00 PM at the Al Bathaa’ Club hall in Sharjah, is determined to secure its first win of the tournament.
Praise for Bahraini Sailing's Accomplishments
Shaikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Marine Sports Federation, expressed pride in the national sailing team's achievement of four medals (silver and bronze). He acknowledged the intense competition faced by the team and regarded their success as a significant accomplishment for Bahraini sailing. Shaikh Abdullah highlighted the importance of the Gulf Youth Games as a foundational event for nurturing future generations of athletes. He also extended his gratitude to the UAE for hosting the games and commended the efforts of all the organizing committees from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Abu Dhabi Arrival Marks New Phase for Cyclists
The Bahrain National Youth Cycling Team has arrived in Abu Dhabi to compete in the first Gulf Youth Games. With high hopes pinned on them, the team is expected to deliver strong performances and vie for top positions in the prestigious Gulf sports event.
Team Roster and Preparations
The team is comprised of talented riders including Mohammed Aqeel, Ahmed Mohammed, Mahdi Hassan, Mohammed Hassan, Hassan Aqeel, Albara Al-Rumaihi, Adel Al-Maliki, and is coached by national coach Abdullah Ali. The team's efforts are supported by manager Aqeel Abdul-Amir, bicycle technician Issa Ayoub, and referee Sayed Murtada Shubar.
In preparation for the games, the cycling team has completed a rigorous training regimen that included both morning and evening sessions. These comprehensive preparations have focused on enhancing their technical skills, physical fitness, and mental readiness, setting the stage for anticipated success in the upcoming competitions.
