Bahraini elected FEI first vice president

Manama, Nov. 29 (BNA): Shaikh Khaled bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, the currently serving International Equestrians Federation (FEI)'s Regional Chairman for Group VII and Bureau member was unanimously elected as the new First Vice President of the FEI at the General Assembly in Montevideo (URU), held on November 18-21. In a press statement, Shaikh Khaled said that he was thankful to Ingmar De Vos, the President of the FEI for choosing him to this key position. The Shaikh also stated that was very pleased on account of the growth and symbolic achievement of Bahrainis across various fields including sports, which reflects the international trust that the Kingdom of Bahrain has received, thanks to the patronage, attention and support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and whose pioneering role and dedicated efforts to promote the equestrian sport as well as preserve its heritage while supporting the FEI governing body, is a widely known fact. Shaikh Khaled offered his thanks and praised 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 and Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, while praising the unlimited support of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa the representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports as well as President of Bahrain Olympic Committee. Shaikh Khaled also thanked the efforts of His Highness Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, President of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation. The 1st Vice President of the FEI, stressed that in the presence of wise leadership, the Kingdom of Bahrain has always been seen as a powerful hub for several international sport related activities and a favourable destination for foreigners for its healthy and serene lifestyle. The FEI General Assembly in Uruguay had started off with loud discussions on the hot topic, FEI equestrian sport of Endurance, which has maintained itself as one of the fastest growing equestrian sport activities worldwide. Recently, this fascinating equestrian sport had received considerable attention over the change of rules and introduction to new star rating events. There were wide-spread debates seen through Group Meetings held at the FEI General Assembly in Montevideo, Uruguay on November 18-21.