Head of Bahrain's delegation to the 2014 Asian Games (Asiad) Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa lauded Bahrain's outstanding achievement in clinching four new medals, thus bringing the total number to nine-three gold, five silver and one Bronze.
With the new accomplishment, Bahrain has come closer to breaking a previous record in Asiad 2010 in China when the Bahraini athletes were able to bag nine medals: five gold and 4 silver. Once again the Bahraini athletes were able to prove their strong presence in the 17th edition of the championship hosted by Incheon city, South Korea, when Meriam Jamal and Mimi Beliti clinched gold and silver respectively in the women's 1500-metre race. Meanwhile, Rasheed Ramzi bagged silver in the men's 1500-metre race and Salem Taraq won silver too in the 3000-metre hurdle race.
First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport (SCYS), President of the West Asian Athletics Association and Chairman of Bahrain Athletics Association (BAA) Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa attended the third day competitions to support the players and boost their morale.
He was welcomed on arrival at Incheon Stadium by President of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), member of the Olympic Committee Board of Directors and BAA Secretary General Abdul Hakim Al Shenou, member of the Asian Athletics Association Ruqaya Al Ghasra, members from the technical and administrative staff and athlete Abbas Abu Baker who won a silver medal in the 400-metre race.
The third day competitions were also attended by Secretary General of Bahrain Olympic Committee Abdulrahman Sadaq Askar, Board members Shaikha Hayat bin Abdulaziz Al Khalifa and Dr. Khalid Al Alawi and members of the administrative delegation.
Shaikh Khalid congratulated the runners on their remarkable achievements, praising their strenuous efforts and keenness to uphold Bahrain's honourable image in the major Asian sporting event. He also paid tribute to Bahrain leadership and Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the SCYS Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee President, for their unflinching support.
Shaikh Khalid received in his Majlis at Incheon Stadium Vice President of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Sergey Bubka, Secretary General of the Asian Athletics Association Maurice R. Nicholas and President of the UAE Athletics Federation Ahmed Al Kamali.
He discussed with them cooperation to develop athletics, commending the role of the international and continental federation in this respect.
Bahrain has so far been able to secure itself third place in the championship in which China is taking the lead with eighteen medals (6 gold, 8 silver and 4 bronze) and Qatar coming second with 6 medals (5 gold and one bronze).
Source: BNA