The Bahrain athletics team is all set to kick off its much-anticipated participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics on Friday, August 2, 2024. The thirty-third edition of the Olympic Games, hosted by the French capital, runs until August 11 and is already drawing immense global attention.
Bahraini runner Nelly Jepkosgei, known for her impressive speed and endurance, will compete in the women's 800m qualifiers at 7:54 pm (8:45 pm Bahrain time). She holds a personal best time of 1:58.93 minutes. On the other hand, Birhanu Balew, a seasoned long-distance runner, will race in the men's 10,000m final at 9:20 pm (10:20 pm Bahrain time). His best time in the 10,000m is 27:07.49 minutes, ranking him 33rd globally.
Athletics has been Bahrain's most successful Olympic sport, earning the Kingdom four medals, a testament to the nation's athletic prowess and determination. These include gold in the 1500m by Maryam Jamal at the London 2012 Olympics, gold in the 3000m steeplechase by Ruth Jebet, silver in the marathon by Eunice Kirwa at the Rio 2016 Olympics, and silver in the 10,000m by Kalkidan Gezahegne at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Bahraini Sports Delegations Showcase National Dress at Paris 2024
The Bahraini pavilion in the Paris 2024 Olympic Village welcomed numerous international sports delegations. Athletes donned traditional Bahraini attire, including the Nashal dress, Ghutra, and Agal, highlighting Bahrain's rich heritage. Visitors were greeted with traditional Bahraini hospitality and introduced to Bahraini handicrafts and folk arts.
This initiative aims to showcase Bahrain's cultural heritage and foster international understanding and cooperation through sports, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to promoting its national identity and traditions on the global stage.
Ambassador Al-Jassem Highlights Bahrain's Historic Participation
His Excellency Mr Essam Abdulaziz Al-Jassem, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the French Republic, expressed pride in Bahrain's historic participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics. This participation marks the Kingdom's involvement in five sports: athletics, judo, weightlifting, wrestling, and swimming. This participation underscores the development of Bahraini sports under the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the guidance of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Ambassador Al-Jassem praised the Bahraini delegation led by His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, whose leadership and support have been instrumental in the preparation and performance of the athletes. He expressed hope for new achievements that will enhance Bahrain's standing in the sporting world.
Abdulaziz Confident in Bahrain's Athletic Competitors
Mr Mohammed Abdulaziz, Director of the National Athletics Teams, has full confidence in Bahraini runners' readiness to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympics. He highlighted the significant events, including Salwa Eid Naser's 400m race, Oluwakemi Adekoya's 400m hurdles, Winfred Yavi's 3,000m steeplechase, and the women's marathon featuring Taigist Gashaw, Eunice Kirwa, and Rose Chelimo.
Abdulaziz noted that Birhanu Balew, competing in the 10,000m, qualified with an impressive time, and Nelly Jepkosgei aims to advance past the 800m qualifiers. He emphasised the challenging nature of the Olympic competition and expressed hope for positive results.
With dedication and preparation, the Bahrain athletics team is poised to make a significant impact at the Paris 2024 Olympics, striving to bring honour and pride to the Kingdom of Bahrain.
