Manama - Arab Today
HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and Honorary President if Bahrain Mixed Martial Arts Federation (BMMAF) praised the performance shown in the second Bahrain Open MMA Championship, jointly organised by BMMAF, Bahrain Olympic Committee and Khalid bin Hamad Al-Khalifa MMA Organisation.
HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Khalifa attended the fourth and final day of the championship and met the organisers and the participants.
He said: "We commend the good participation in the championship from the various Bahraini and GCC MMA centers, schools and clubs, which had an impact on the success of this event and its emergence at a strong and wonderful level. I was very impressed by the levels shown by fighters participating in the championship and the strong levels they showed, contributing to the success its success. The combat level of the fighters reflected the high level of professionalism they have and their high combat capabilities."
His Highness added: "I enjoyed watching the rounds of the championship. I was very impressed by the level of combat that was shown in the competition, which showed everyone that the MMA game is progressing in Bahrain. This translates the development scheme that we have successfully implemented, in coordination and supervision H.E Khalid Abdulaziz Al Khayat, in order to raise the level of the sport at the local level, and to seek to support the efforts of the committees and unions of mixed martial arts to participate actively and contribute to the dissemination of the culture of this sport and help to promote it among the youth in the Gulf region and encourage them to practice it."
HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Khalifa stressed his support to Bahraini fighters and to the local MMA scene. He also said: "Organising such events is an opportunity to highlight the abilities and levels of fighters, as well as improving their talents and encourage them to participate in national, regional and international competitions."
His Highness thanked the fans and spectators for their attendance and lively interaction with the different stages of the championship. He also appreciated the efforts of the organising committees.
HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Khalifa met Colonel Khalid Abdulaziz Al-Khayat, President of BMMAF and discussed with him the preparations of the Bahraini fighters for the upcoming International Fighting Championship which will be held in France from August 21 to 27, as well as the African Open Ameatures Championship on August 26 to September 2.
On his part, Al-Khayyat appreciated His Highness's care, guidance and support to the Bahraini MMA sport, fighetrs and its events.
HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Khalifa also visited Al Doy MMA School and met National Coach Abdullah Al-Doy, who briefed him about the school, its programmes and training techniques.
Winners:
1. Ibrahim Darwish – Bahrain
2. Hussain Mubarak – Kuwait
3. Faisal Al-Jazzaf – Bahrain
4. Yousif Yqoub – Bahrain
5. Ali Yaqoub – Bahrain
6. Ali Adnan – Bahrain
7. Darry Skinner – UK
8. Hunter Mohammed Ali – Bahrain
9. Mohammed Salah – Bahrain
10. Mohammed Abbas – Bahrain
11. Rashid Al-Haidary – Kuwait
12. Shamil Jimbatov – Russia
13. Rajab Atyav – Russia
14. Mohammed Al-Qarra – Kuwait
15. Fouad Jawad – Bahrain
16. Abdulrahman Al-Hassan – Bahrain
source:Bna