Wrestling champion returns to hero's welcome

Manama, Feb. 24 (BNA): His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Youth and Sports (SCYS) and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC), along with His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa the First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council of Youth and Sports (SCYS) and President of Khalid bin Hamad Mixed Martial Arts (KHK MMA) Organisation have received Bahrain's 70-kg weight wrestling champion Adam Batirov congratulating him on winning the gold medal in Asia Wrestling Championship in Bangkok, Thailand. Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC)'s secretary-general Abdulrahman Sadiq Askar and Bahrain Martial Arts Association (BMAA)'s chairman Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Khayyat. His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa has expressed his pride in this accomplishment and winning in the name of the Kingdom of Bahrain of the first Gulf country to win a gold medal in Asia's wrestling game thanks to the leadership's support to the youth and sports sector which contributed to Bahraini sports revitalization and achieving historic feats during various functions and participations. Batirov clinched the 70kg weight category gold medal for Bahrain at the Asian Wrestling Championships, which concluded in Bangkok recently. Batirov was crowned champion on Sunday, the final day of the prestigious event after defeating Takhti Cup winner Muhammad Naderi of Iran in the semi-finals. In the final clash, Batirov nearly let the gold medal slip away to India's Kumar Vinod, who countered a takedown attempt for two points midway through the second period. However, Batirov came back late a takedown and ankle turn for a 5-2 triumph. Batirov's gold medal was the first for Bahrain in the Asian championships and the second overall, following a bronze medal won by Mohamed Abdelfattah Mohammed in the 98kg in Greco-Roman category on the first day of the championships. On return at Bahrain International Airport, Batirov and his fellow delegation members were welcomed by high-ranking sports officials, headed by Bahrain Olympic Committee general secretary Abdulrahman Askar. Askar congratulated the Bahraini wrestler and wished him success in the upcoming regional and international championships. Askar also commended the efforts of the Bahrain team at the championship, which played a significant role in the victory. Batirov expressed gratitude to the Bahrain Olympic Committee for supporting him during the training programme and at the competition in Bangkok. He vowed to extend his hard working effort in bid to achieve another feat on the international level in future challenges.? Source: Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC).