On behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today attended a celebration held in honour of the Representative of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs, and Captain of the Royal Endurance Team, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The event was held in celebration of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa's success in achieving first place in the 160-kilometre race of the FEI Endurance World Championship held in the United Arab Emirates, and HH's ranking first in the world in the international classification of endurance sports, which was recently issued.
The FEI Endurance World Championship featured 126 contenders representing 36 countries in Boudheib International Endurance Village, of which, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa obtained first place.
The ceremony began with a rendition of Bahrain’s national anthem, followed by a reading of verses from the Holy Quran.
The First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of the Public Authority for Sports, President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, gave an address in which he highlighted HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister’s commitment to the Kingdom’s sports and youth sector. The sector has had a positive impact on the Kingdom’s wider development goals, led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad further highlighted HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad’s victory at the FEI Endurance World Championship, which is a reflection of the Kingdom’s continued accomplishments in sports.
HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad extended his congratulations to the Kingdom of Bahrain, its leadership and citizens on this global achievement, outlining HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad’s longstanding commitment to making the sport accessible to the Kingdom’s youth and sports sector.
Thereafter, on behalf of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister presented HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad the Order of Ahmad Al Fateh for his victory and presented the Efficiency Medal award to members of the Royal Endurance Team.
During the ceremony, a film titled "The Story of a Champion," written by Abdul Rahman Al Midfa, was shown. The film documented His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad’s victory at the World Endurance Championship, and showcased His Highness’ leadership of the Royal Endurance Team.
Artists Ahmed Al Hermi, Nizar Abdulla, and Rashid Handhal presented a lyrical piece inspired by the poet Younes Salman. The lyrical piece was accompanied by a special presentation of drones, through which a mural of the historical achievement was drawn. Rashid Handhal sang "Song of the World Champion” to commemorate the occasion, dedicating it to HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad.
On this occasion, HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, expressed his appreciation to HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad for his achievement, noting his success as motivated by the “authentic Bahraini spirit", a proud and joyful spirit that is renowned for its proactive commitment to serving the country.
HM the King expressed his gratitude for the ceremony, honouring a new national achievement accomplished by one of Bahrain's noble sons, who was determined to win and was able to raise the Kingdom's flag on the international sports stage.
His Majesty noted the Kingdom continues to be ambitious with Bahraini youth accomplishments in national service, and wished Bahrain success in all future endeavours.
For his part, HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister commended the advanced levels achieved by the people of Bahrain in various sports, which reflect the visions of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
His Royal Highness congratulated HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad on his achievement in the sport of endurance, and his contribution to making Bahrain a global competitor in this field.
His Royal Highness emphasised the ceremony’s large attendance is a testament to the Kingdom’s shared pride in HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad's achievement.
HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad extended his gratitude to HM the King for His Majesty’s sponsorship of the ceremony, noting HM the King and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister’s continued commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s athletes and maintaining the Kingdom’s sports success.
HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad expressed his appreciation for HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister’s attendance at the ceremony, which was an honour for himself and the Kingdom’s youth.
HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad emphasised that the ceremony reflected the Kingdom’s leadership in the sports sector, and expressed his gratitude to the Kingdom’s athletes who were present in sharing such a historic moment in the Kingdom’s success.
For his part, HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad extended his gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, for HM’s sponsorship of the ceremony, noting the support provided to the Kingdom’s youth and sport sector by HM the King and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad concluded by reiterating the importance of the ceremony and HM the King’s ongoing support to the Kingdom’s sports sector and its achievements.
At the end of the ceremony, a memorial gift was presented to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
A number of senior officials, members of the Royal Family, and athletes also attended the celebration.
Source: Bahrain News Agency