HH Shaikh Nasser inaugurates BRAVE International Combat Week and Amateur World MMA Championship

Manama, Nov. 12 (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 for Youth and Sports and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee, affirmed that the Kingdom of Bahrain has become a favoured destination for all athletes and parties wishing to organise a distinguished tournament combining all elements of success. This is due to Bahrain’s high organisational capabilities and qualified national cadres who are adept at handling the burdens and requirements of these competitions, HH Shaikh Nasser said. This came during His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa’s inauguration of BRAVE International Combat Week, the largest Mixed Martial Arts sports festival in Asia, in the presence of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, Honourary President of the Bahrain Mixed Martial Arts Federation, Chairman of the High Organising Committee of BRAVE International Combat Week and Kerrith Brown, President of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF). The event is held in the Kingdom of Bahrain under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, organised by the Bahrain Mixed Martial Arts Federation (BMMAF) in partnership with IMMAF and BRAVE Combat Federation. It will feature the 5th edition of the Amateur World Championships and the 18th edition of the BRAVE Championship, from 11 to 18 November at the Khalifa Sports City Hall. The opening ceremony was also attended by distinguished personnel. Unparalleled Support His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa said, "The Kingdom of Bahrain has been able to pave a path to success in MMA and other sports through the auspices and support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who has directed towards the forward advancement of the Youth and Sports sectors, which was implemented by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Prime Minister, in the government's plan of action, amid the follow up and interest of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister." Khalid bin Hamad’s Efforts His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad continued, "His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa has made significant efforts to promote the spread of MMA culture not only in the Kingdom of Bahrain, but also at regional and global levels through the clear steps taken by him to establish a solid base for this sport, which has contributed to the increase in the number of centres and schools that embrace various types of combat sports. This is evident in His Highness’ support for Bahrain’s hosting of the World MMA Championship, which represents a qualitative leap in the progress of MMA in Bahrain. The organisation of the championship for the second time in Bahrain is a clear affirmation of the high position that Bahrain occupies as a centre to unify the MMA community to start building a better future for this world-class sport." Khalid bin Hamad: A True Opportunity for Launch For his part, Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa said that BRAVE International Combat Week will be an ideal opportunity for a true launch of MMA games, in order to raise its level and ensure its global spread. Global Status Did Not Come from Vacuum His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa said, "We highly appreciate the great support given by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, which has contributed to the achievement MMA’s global status amid the support of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman, the Prime Minister and the follow up and interest of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister." Key Support from Nasser bin Hamad His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa continued, "His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa is one of the key supporters in promoting MMA sport, which was evident in his sponsorship of the championship and his keenness to inaugurate it and work on advancing Bahraini sport. This, in addition to His Highness’ support of the team fighters, standing by their side in their march towards preparing for the championship."