Dubai - Reported by Hisham Jaafar (Photography by Ali Al-Halwaji)
Today marks the beginning of a significant chapter for Bahrain's athletes at the first Gulf Youth Games, with competitions underway for the national Taekwondo and athletics teams, while the football match against Oman has been postponed.
Taekwondo Team Takes the Stage
The national Taekwondo team, comprising nine athletes, kicked off their campaign at 8 AM, Bahrain time, at the Zayed Sports Complex in Fujairah. Under the guidance of coach Abdul Hamid Ibrahim, the team completed rigorous training sessions and weigh-ins, gearing up to secure spots in the final rounds.
Track and Field Athletes Begin Competition
Simultaneously, Bahrain's athletics team has started competing at the Dubai Police Officers Club. The team includes Salem Bakhit, Ahmed Mahmoud, Maysa Al Tamimi, and Maryam Mohammed, who are participating in events ranging from sprints to middle-distance races and field events. They have conducted specialized training sessions to fine-tune their readiness for today's challenges.
Paralympic Athletes Aim for Glory
The Paralympic team, referred to as "People of Determination," also began their events today at the same venue. Competitors Ahmed Noah, Sayed Hussein Ahmed, Fatima Ahmed, and Zeina Al Balushi are participating in track and field events, including wheelchair races and throws, poised to make their mark.
Aspirations for New Records
Athletics coach Imad Rashid expressed high hopes for the athletes, aiming not only for medals but also to set new personal and national records. "Our athletes are ready to excel and elevate Bahrain’s status in athletics, aiming for the podium in every event they enter," said Rashid.
The Bahrain Olympic Committee continues to support and promote its athletes' endeavors across all platforms, ensuring they have the resources to compete and succeed at the highest levels of regional sport.
Optimism Runs High Among Coaches and Athletes
Ali Al-Ghazal, coach of Bahrain's "Persons of Determination" athletics team, reported that meticulous planning and preparation have positioned the athletes as strong contenders for top honors at the games. Al-Ghazal highlighted the team's enthusiasm and commitment to showcasing their skills and elevating Bahrain's prestige on this significant stage.
Sayed Hussein Eyes Gold
Sayed Hussein, a key athlete in the "People of Determination" category, shared his high hopes and optimism for clinching gold medals. "Our preparations began two months ago, setting us on a path towards significant achievements for Bahrain," he noted, confident that the team will secure accolades and expressing best wishes for his teammates as they commence competition today.
Sailing and Jiu-Jitsu Teams Arrive in Abu Dhabi for Gulf Youth Games
The Bahraini sailing and jiu-jitsu teams have arrived in Abu Dhabi to participate in the Gulf Youth Games. The sailing team is led by Noman Al-Hassan, Vice President of the Bahrain Marine Sports Federation, while the jiu-jitsu team is under the leadership of Redha Munfaridi. Both teams are eager to start their competitions, with the sailing events kicking off at the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club and jiu-jitsu at the Mubadala Arena starting Thursday.
The sailing squad includes athletes Walid Tawfiq, Khalifa Al Dosari, Abrar Al Aali, and Malak Duaij, coached by Qassim Bin Jumaa. The jiu-jitsu team, coached by Robert Hennik, features Hamad Mohsen, Youssef Ronald, Ahmed Al Banna, Sayed Adnan Sharaf, and Abdul Rahman Al-Sayed.
Weather Delays Kick-off of Football Competitions at Gulf Youth Games
Due to unexpected weather fluctuations in the UAE, the organizing committee has postponed the football matches that were set to begin yesterday. The national team was scheduled to face Oman in what would have been their second match following earlier games against UAE and Kuwait. The rescheduled dates for these matches will be announced soon, ensuring the safety and preparedness of all teams involved.
Gulf Youth Games Media Center Opens Amid Weather Delays
Following unexpected weather disruptions on the first day of the Gulf Youth Games 2023 in the United Arab Emirates, the organizing committee has rescheduled the opening of the main media center to today, Wednesday. Initially planned for yesterday, the center at the Marriott Hotel in Dubai is now fully operational, offering comprehensive 24-hour sports and administrative support to the press and media covering the event.
Designed as a central hub for all media activities, the media center is strategically located at the same residence as the administrative and media delegations, simplifying access to news, updates, and photographs from the games. This setup ensures that media personnel, crucial partners in the dissemination of sports news, have all necessary resources at their disposal.
The center is set to play a pivotal role, given the breadth of the games that include 24 team and individual sports across four emirates: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah, and Sharjah. This arrangement provides journalists with easy access to comprehensive updates and results from the various competitions, ensuring thorough coverage of the international event.
