HM King honours professional bodybuilder

Manama, June 26 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received, at the Al-Safriya Palace today, HM the King’s Personal Representative for Charity Work and Youth Affairs, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee President, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. HH Shaikh Nasser introduced to HM the King international professional bodybuilder Sami Al-Haddad, the gold medalist at the IFBB Pro Spain, held earlier this month. HM the King extended thanks to champion Al-Haddad, and congratulated him on his historic world achievement, lauding his unwavering efforts to honour the kingdom at various world championships. HM the King wished Al-Haddad further success in attaining more accomplishments.  HM King Hamad approved the professional classification adopted by the Kingdom of Bahrain, to provide the necessary regulatory and legal cover for professions, including sports ones. HM the King granted Sami Al-Haddad the first passport to be given to a citizen with “professional athlete" as an official profession. HM the King stressed the importance of professionalism in achieving distinction and success in various fields, commending the outstanding efforts exerted by HH Shaikh Nasser in the sports fields. HM King Hamad affirmed that HH Shaikh Nasser’s leadership of the Bahraini sports march under the slogan of “Year of Gold”, has contributed to attaining many landmark honourable results regionally and internationally. The King praised the plans and programmes implemented by the Bahrain Weightlifting Federation to prepare athletes to clinch gold and top positions at international championships. HM the King lauded Bahrainis’ determination and challenge spirit, and success in proving their outstanding ability to compete at various sports competitions and reach podiums well deservedly, reiterating constant keenness to provide all kinds of care and encouragement for Bahraini youth in order to continue their success march. Al-Haddad extended deepest thanks and gratitude to HM King Hamad for congratulating him on his victory, stressing that the royal support he enjoys has contributed to his success in winning the gold medal. He also expressed sincere thanks to HH Shaikh Nasser for his constant support and provision of all success requirements for him, pledging to attain more achievements in future competitions.