HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad meets media officials

Manama, Mar. 24(BNA): His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and President of Bahrain Athletics Association (BAA) paid tribute to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa for promoting sport in the Kingdom. "Bahraini sports are taking steady strides towards more growth and development thanks to the wise vision of HM the King, the main supporter of the youth and sports sector, and the care of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister", he said. He noted that Bahraini sports has been accomplishing remarkable achievements, proving the effectiveness of the strategies and programmes set and introduced by His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of HM the King for Charity and Youth Affairs and President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, who continually launches initiatives that pave the path for athletes to accomplish outstanding achievements, underscoring the significance of the National Youth and Sports Development Programme ‘Estijabah’. He made the statement came as he received the representatives of local media, in the presence of, the Minister of Information Affairs Ali bin Mohammed Al Rumaihi, Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs Ayman bin Tawfeeq Al Moayed , Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain's National Communication Centre (NCC) Ahmed Mohammed Al Mannai, and senior officials of the Bahraini media sector. HH Shaikh Khalid was briefed by the Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs about the results of the sports summit that was held recently under the patronage and as per the directives of HH Shaikh Nasser, and witnessed the participation of the Bahraini youth and sports family. He received the 212 recommendations announced by the conclusion of the five-day summit, which was organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs and hosted discussions between decision-makers and sports figures on the means to develop the Bahraini sports movement. He praised the positive interaction of the youth and sports family in the summit, stating that it reflects their concern about setting up the general policies of the Bahraini sports. HH Shaikh Khalid said: "During the five days of the summit, the cohesion and strength of the sports and youth family was reflected in discussing all matters related to the future of Bahraini sports and addressing the challenges and solutions they deem appropriate for the advancement of Bahraini sports in the path of progress and development set by HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa through the National Youth and Sports Development Programme ‘Estijabah’", he said. "Working with transparency and in a healthy environment where the basis of the fair competitiveness is open is the strong basis for the promotion of Bahraini sports. We are working to consolidate this pillar so we can take Bahraini sports to the right path in the development of its various components. In this regard, we must work to reward the sincere performers and to hold defaulters accountable," he added. "We believe that the recommendations of the sports summit will be a road map to guide sports towards the perfect path and achieve administrative and technical development. We direct the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs to implement the instructions of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and ensure the application of the recommendations of the summit, as it was issued by the national sports family and reflect their high sense of responsibility.", he stressed. HH Shaikh Khalid highlighted that there are high aspirations for the Bahraini youth and sports movement, underscoring the significance of joint work to preserve the milestone achievements attained by the Kingdom. Stressing on the important role played by the media as a strategic partner in the next phase, HH Shaikh Khalid announced that 55 personalities of the sports media field have been nominated and later shortlisted to be chosen as members of the committee that will be formed to study, apply and follow up on the recommendations of the summit. The Minister of Information Affairs reaffirmed on the supportive role played by the local in highlighting the national sports achievements and successes on the local, Arab, regional and International levels. He also reiterated that the Ministry spares no efforts in supporting the Bahraini sports movement and the remarkable accomplishments of Bahraini athletes. He thanked HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad and HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad for their guidance and wise visions that have immensely contributed to the progress of national sports. The Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs also praised the support of HH Shaikh Khalid to the ministry’s strategies that are aimed at the development of the Kingdom’s youth and sports movement, affirming that HH Shaikh Khalid’s directives to implement the recommendations of the summit are a top priority for the ministry.