Manama : His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, patronised the closing ceremony of the King’s the annual Shooting Contest and the Tug-of-War Championship for military units, as part of the celebrations marking the Silver Jubilee of His Majesty’s reign.
Upon His Majesty’s arrival, he was greeted by Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF); Lieutenant-General Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Royal Guard Commander; Colonel His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Royal Guard Special Force Commander; His Highness General Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Commander of the National Guard; His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Isa bin Salman Education Charitable Trust and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Labour Fund (Tamkeen); His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa; General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Interior Minister; Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi, Minister of Defence Affairs; and Lieutenant General Theyab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi, Chief of Staff of BDF; as well as with other senior military officials.
The Director of the Military Sports Federation delivered a speech on this occasion, hailing His Majesty’s patronage and thanking him for his unwavering support for sports and athletes within the defence force. He also extended heartfelt congratulations to His Majesty on the Silver Jubilee, reaffirming loyalty and allegiance to the leadership.
The director praised the sporting achievements of BDF’s members, highlighting notable victories in various competitions, including the World Military Marathon Championship, World Military Biathlon Championship, World Military Half Marathon Championship, and World Military Equestrian Championship.
He hailed His Majesty’s patronage and expressed gratitude for his presence at the ceremony, wishing him continued prosperity, and success to the kingdom under his leadership.
Following the director’s address, the military competitions commenced, showcasing precision, skill, and high physical fitness among participants. The Director of the Military Sports Federation then presented commemorative gifts to His Majesty the King and His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief of BDF.
A Royal Decree was issued by His Majesty, promoting two non-commissioned officers from the Royal Guard to the rank of Lieutenant, and awarding them the Military Gallantry Medal in recognition of their bravery and dedication during their national duty.
Furthermore, His Majesty awarded trophies to the units that won first place in the competitions held on the silver jubilee:
His Majesty also presented the King’s Trophy for Sporting Excellence for the year 2023-2024 to HH Shaikh Nasser.
Subsequently, His Majesty delivered a royal speech, praising the bravery and dedication of BDF, expressing confidence in their abilities, and paying tribute to their sacrifices and heroic actions in safeguarding the nation’s security and defending its borders.
The attendees then extended their congratulations to His Majesty on his Silver Jubilee, and wished him abundant health, prosperity, and success in leading Bahrain to further accomplishments in all domains.
