Emirates - Reported by Hisham Jaafar:
In a grand ceremony marked by cultural showcases and athletic pledges, Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, alongside Shaikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, and other dignitaries, inaugurated the first Gulf Youth Games on April 23, 2024, at Dubai Opera, UAE.
Distinguished Guests and a Spectacular Opening
The event saw the presence of notable figures such as His Excellency Jassim Mohammed Al Budawi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee. The ceremony commenced with the UAE national anthem and a procession of the GCC flag, followed by the flags of participating Gulf nations. The athletes took the tournament oath, setting the stage for a series of artistic performances that highlighted themes of sustainability, cohesion, and youth, captivating about 1,500 attendees.
Bahrain’s Delegation and Cultural Displays
The Bahrain delegation participated prominently, with table tennis player Dana Mohammed Al-Khayyat having the honor of carrying the national flag. The ceremony featured a symbolic falcon, enhancing the themes of authenticity and youthful spirit through a blend of traditional elements and modern technology. This included segments that integrated artificial intelligence with cultural motifs, culminating in the lighting of the torch by six athletes representing all participating countries.
Medal Tally Grows for Bahrain
On the competition front, Bahrain’s athletes continued to excel, bringing the nation's total to 35 medals, including 9 gold, 11 silver, and 15 bronze. The cycling team, comprising Ahmed Mohamed, Mahdi Hassan, and Mohamed Thamer, clinched a bronze in their debut at the team time trial event. Competing over a 40-kilometer course, they recorded a time of 53:17 minutes amid intense competition and challenging conditions at the Abu Dhabi Cycling Club track.
This successful start boosts Bahrain's presence at the Games, underscoring the nation’s growing prowess in both team and individual sports at this significant regional sporting event.
Volleyball Team Eyes Fourth Consecutive Victory
The Bahrain volleyball team is set to face the UAE national team at 2:00 PM, Bahrain time, at the Al Nasr Club hall in Dubai. Coming off a thrilling 3-2 victory against the Saudi team, the Bahraini squad is aiming for a fourth win to strengthen their lead with 11 points and edge closer to securing a gold medal in the tournament.
Handball Team Seeks Continued Success
Meanwhile, the handball team is scheduled for a 6:00 PM match against the UAE at the Al-Bataeh Club hall in Sharjah. This match represents a crucial opportunity for Bahrain to secure the bronze medal, as the team looks to build on its recent victory and enhance its standing in the competition, with the top two medals currently contested between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
Table Tennis Competitions Commence
The table tennis team will also see action today at the Shabab Al Ahli Club Dubai hall. Competitions are split into two sessions: the first beginning at 10:00 AM and the second at 4:00 PM. Bahrain's players—Mohamed Nader, Hussein Jaber, Majed Qasim, and Ali Youssef, alongside female athletes Fatima Al-Aali, Rayan Emad, Dana Muhammad, and Kinda Mahmoud—are determined to excel and aim for top positions in both the boys and girls categories.
Leadership in Triathlon Management
In addition to these competitions, the Gulf Games organizing committee has appointed Abbas Buhassan, Vice President of the Bahrain Triathlon Federation and a seasoned international referee, to manage the triathlon events. Recognized for his extensive experience in regional and international arenas, Buhassan will oversee the triathlon races, ensuring smooth preparations and coordination from the athletes' arrival through to the race day.
Buhassan expressed his honor at being selected to lead in such a significant capacity, affirming his commitment to representing Bahrain and its triathlon federation with distinction during these games.
