Emirates - Reported by Hisham Jaafar:
In a remarkable show of athleticism and skill at the first Gulf Youth Games, Bahrain's competitors clinched a series of medals across multiple sports.
Triathlon Glory: Al-Hassan and Al-Hallaq Make Waves
Abdul Rahman Hassan Al-Hassan captured the gold medal in the Sprint Triathlon, completing the race in 1:08:10. His course included a 750-meter swim, a 20-kilometer bike ride, and a 5-kilometer run. Al-Hassan's victory was a result of his extensive experience and consistent training, showcasing his prowess by finishing first amidst fierce competition.
In the same event, Ahmed Tariq Al-Hallaq earned a commendable bronze with his finish in 1:11:28, marking Bahrain's strong presence in the sport which continues to receive significant support from the kingdom's sports authorities.
Table Tennis Success: Dual Victories in Doubles Competitions
In table tennis, Fatima Al-Aali and Kinda Al-Khayyat secured the gold medal in the women's doubles finals by overcoming the Kuwaiti team with a score of 3-1. Their male counterparts, Mohammed Al-Aali and Ali Mohammed, brought home the silver in the young men's doubles, narrowly missing gold to the Qatari team with a score of 3-1.
Additionally, Dana Al-Khayyat and Rayan Rashid earned a bronze medal in their doubles event, demonstrating strong teamwork and competitive spirit throughout the tournament.
Backgammon Players Set Sights on Additional Medals
As the Gulf Youth Games continue, Bahrain's table tennis team remains focused on the knockout rounds. Both male and female players are poised to compete fiercely in their respective categories with aspirations to secure further medals. They will face strong contenders in a series of matches scheduled for both morning and evening sessions, aiming to qualify for the final rounds and enhance Bahrain's medal tally.
The collective efforts and achievements of Bahrain's athletes at the Gulf Youth Games underline the nation's commitment to nurturing young talent and achieving excellence in the international sports arena.
Bahrain Secures Bronze in Handball and Dominates Billiards at the Gulf Youth Games
The Bahrain national handball team clinched the bronze medal at the First Gulf Youth Games after defeating Oman 31-24 in the final round. Throughout the tournament, the team secured victories against Qatar, the UAE, and Oman, accumulating six points. Despite losses to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, the team's robust performance underscored their competitive spirit.
Mahmoud Jalil, a standout player, was named the best player in the match against Oman and received accolades from Majdi Mirza, a member of the Bahraini Handball Federation’s board. This recognition marks the third instance Bahraini players have been honored, with Ahmed Ali Al-Falahi and goalkeeper Muhammad Hussein previously celebrated for their exceptional performances.
Billiards Brothers Triumph
In billiards, brothers Hussein and Haider Marum dominated the individual 8-ball competition, ensuring a Bahraini victory in the finals. Hussein Marum captured the gold by defeating his brother Haider, who took silver. Their journey to the final saw them overcoming top competitors, including Saudi Arabia's world champion, Khaled Al-Ghamdi, marking a significant achievement reminiscent of their previous victory at the Arab Championship in Jordan.
Cycling Team Concludes with High Hopes
The Bahrain cycling team wrapped up its participation in the youth and junior categories of the individual time trial competition. The junior category saw players Hassan Aqeel Thamer and Muhammad Hassan Jawad competing over a 10-kilometer distance, while the youth category involved a 20-kilometer race featuring Mahdi Hassan Jawad and Muhammad Aqib Thamer. The team, which has already secured three bronze medals, aimed to add more accolades to Bahrain’s growing medal tally.
Table Tennis Team's Successful Run
The table tennis team, having secured five medals (two gold, two silver, and one bronze), entered the final day's competition with ambitions to increase their medal haul, reflecting the strength and depth of Bahrain's participation in the games.
Billiards Team Aims for More Glory
Continuing their success, the Maroum brothers competed in the 9-ball billiards competition, aiming to replicate their prior day’s success. After their stellar performance in the 8-ball category, expectations were high for another strong showing in the 9-ball competition held at the E-Zone hall in Dubai.
This eventful day underscored Bahrain's strong showing across various sports, illustrating the breadth and depth of talent among its youth athletes at the Gulf Youth Games.
Swimming Team Makes a Splash
Simultaneously, Bahrain's national swimming team began their competition at the first Gulf Games. Eleven swimmers, both male and female, are participating across a range of events including the 400 m medley, 100 m backstroke, 50 m breaststroke, and 800 m freestyle. The team's first race kicked off at 9 a.m., Bahrain time, with athletes Sanaa Lilian, Shahad Baloul, Ahmed Tahebish, and Adam Hussein tackling the 800-meter freestyle. Evening sessions will see further participation in the 400-meter medley and additional races, highlighting the depth and versatility of Bahrain’s aquatic talent.
Judo Debuts in the Competition
In judo, player Mohamed Khaled represents Bahrain in the under-66 kg category at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi. His participation marks the start of judo events, adding another layer to Bahrain's diverse athletic representation.
Bahrain’s Medal Tally Grows
As of yesterday, Bahrain's cumulative medal haul at the Gulf Youth Games reached an impressive total of 48, including 14 gold, 14 silver, and 20 bronze medals. This tally reflects the nation's strong performance across various disciplines, including recent additions from triathlon, table tennis, billiards, and handball. With ongoing events, there is an air of anticipation and hope for even more successes as the games progress, underscoring Bahrain’s commitment to excelling on the regional sports stage.
