HM King attends BDF sports competitions

Manama, Feb. 22 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander, today patronised the closing ceremony of HM the King’s Military Cross Country Championship (4 Km), the annual shooting contest and the Tug-of-War Championship, in addition to free parachuting. Held at the Electronic Shooting Range, the ceremony is part of the celebrations marking the 50th Anniversary of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF). HM the King was welcomed on arrival by the BDF Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, National Guard Commander, Lieutenant-General HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, Defence Affairs Minister, Lieutenant-General Yussef bin Ahmed Al-Jalahma, Chief of Staff, Dheyab bin Saqr Al-Nuaimi, and senior BDF officers. HM King Hamad was accompanied by Royal Guard Commander, Brigadier-General HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and Royal Court Minister, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. The Royal Anthem was played and some holy Quran verses were recited, and then Secretary-General of the Military Sports Association, Commodore Noaman Rashid Al-Hassan, delivered a speech in which he extended to HM the King, the Supreme Commander, heartfelt congratulations on BDF’s 50th Anniversary. He said that the BDF Day is a precious occasion of which everyone is proud, noting that it is an opportunity to recall the landmark achievements of the BDF’s servicemen since its establishment in various fields, including the armament, technical, judicial, medical and sports one in which they excelled. He added that the BDF staff, guided by HM the King’s sound directives, have dedicated themselves in the service of the homeland through defending it and raising its banners and those of the BDF at various gatherings and frontlines. Commodore Noaman Rashid Al-Hassan affirmed that the military sport in Bahrain has made giant leaps that consolidated the kingdom’s standing on the global sports map, significantly outscoring countries with a long history in this regard. He said that Bahrain’s military athletes have been inspired by the directives and care of HM the King, the first supporter of sports and athletes in the kingdom, as well as the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, and the BDF commander-in-chief. He added that HH Shaikh Nasser’s participation in military competitions have also inspired and motivated the BDF athletes, noting that HH Shaikh Nasser’s sports achievements are a source of pride for all BDF affiliates. He wished HH Shaikh Nasser every success in the Iron Man Championship 2018 in Kailua-Kona, Hawai. He said that the HM King Hamad’s attendance of the annual sports competitions is a source of pride for the participants, as it will motivate them to perform well. He extended thanks to the Chief of Staff, assistant chiefs of staff, unit commanders and directors for their interest and keenness on ensuring the success of closing ceremony every year, wishing the kingdom further progress in HM the King’s prosperous era. After that, the military competitions started, and were followed by a parade by the military skydiving team in which the members showcased their outstanding training and skills. Then, the members of the BDF parachutists, and those of the shooting team at the Royal Military Police for Women unit, who took part in the shooting contest, greeted HM the King. HM King Hamad, the Supreme Commander, presented the winning teams with trophies and awards. HM the King expressed admiration for the skills displayed by the participants, reflecting the BDF’s military efficiency, fitness, and commitment to the spirit of fair competition. HM the King praised the BDF personnel’s high combat readiness and professional training, which confirms their keenness to always be victors, hailing the noble efforts exerted by the brave BDF servicemen in order to perform their patriotic duties of defending the nation and the security of the citizens and residents. HM King Hamad lauded the distinguished sports achievements of the BDF at various regional and international competitions and extended congratulations to the winning teams. HM the King extended thanks to all participants, trainers and organisers, wishing them further success.