“We hail the national football squad for this landmark achievement which crowns a collective effort”, he said. He praised the players for their efforts and firm resolve, describing the outstanding performance as the result of strenuous training and patience – the secret of sport success.
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa today received at Gudaibiya Palace Supreme Council for Youth and Sport chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee President Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, who introduced the official and administrative delegation as well as winners of the gold, silver and bronze medals at the 12th Arab Games, recently held in Qatar.
His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, attended the ceremony.
HM King Hamad stressed the overwhelming popularity of football in Bahrain and the world.
He said that he had personally watched the march, hailing the standard of the team.
He lauded other sports for performing honourably and achieving brilliant results at the first GCC Olympic Games, which were historic.
He singled out particularly Bahrain tennis women for their outstanding results, hoping a woman football team would represent Bahrain in forthcoming championships.
His Majesty King Hamad paid tribute to the Bahrain weightlifting and bodybuilding sport, hailing Sami Al-Haddad for winning the world title and honouring Bahrain in the international sport arenas.
“This spirit reflects your loyalty and love for your country, thus setting a model to emulate for Bahraini youngsters to build and excel”, he said, praised the gold, silver and bronze winners for achieving their mission fully.
HM the King reaffirmed resolve to continue promoting sport establishments.
He also expressed the hope that joint GCC team would compete in world champions and ensure better rests in the Olympic games, with plans to move from the phase of GCC cooperation to the phase of union.
He stressed the importance for GCC sport ministers and youth officials to scrutinize such future-oriented options.
HM the King expressed the hope that other sport would achieve better results in the future, citing particularly golf, and endurance.
SCYS Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee President Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa then delivered a speech, expressing deep thanks and appreciation to HM King Hamad for supporting Bahraini sportsmen.
He also paid tribute to HRH the Premier and HRH Prince Salman for their keenness on promoting sport in the Kingdom, pledge to spare no effort to achieve more sport performances.
BOC chief executive officer Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa earlier addressed the ceremony extending thanks to HM the King, the Premier and the Crown Prince for the sport strides in Bahrain.