King, Prince Al-Hassan attend Falcon, Hunting Contest

Manama, Jan. 28 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Al-Hassan bin Talal today visited “Al-Sabkha” area, opposite to Bahrain International Endurance Village. They attended part of the Bahrain Falcons and Hunting Tournament, being held under the patronage of HM the King’s Representative for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Supreme Council for Youth and Sport (SCYS) Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) President His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa. The third edition of the Bahrain Falcons and Hunting Tournament will run until mid-February. HM the King HRH Prince Al-Hassan bin Talal were received on arrival by HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, SCYS First Deputy Chairman, West Asian Athletics Federation President and Bahrain Athletics Association (BAA) Chief His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Khalifa and Supreme Council for the Environment (SCE) Deputy President and Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) Chairman HH Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al-Khalifa. HM the King HRH Prince Al-Hassan bin Talal were briefed by HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa on the tournament which includes different categories for falcons, a traditional one-kilometre Arabian horse race, Saluki dogs hunting contest for one kilometre and a shooting competition. HM the King and HRH Prince Al-Hassan bin Talal, watched part of the contests which reached their fourth week, before leaving the site of the tournament. HM the King congratulated HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa on the continuous success of the tournament and the large participation of contenders and owners as well as the flux of people who are keen on deep-rooted sports. He commended the dedicated efforts led by HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa to revive the heritage which was passed, down the generations, from forefathers to fathers. He hailed the efforts and contributions of HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Khalifa to support these traditional sports and conserve and consolidate national heritage, and foster them among Bahraini youth. The King hailed the strong performance of owners which, he said, reflects the importance and popularity of the traditional sport among owners, participants and fans. He congratulated winners and contenders, wishing all participants who are taking part in the tournament every success. HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Khalifa paid tribute to HM the King for his keenness on attending the Bahrain Falcons and Hunting Tournament, along with HRH Prince Al-Hassan bin Talal, supporting the traditional sports and promoting Bahraini deep-rooted heritage.