Manama : His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), attended the opening ceremony of the World Weightlifting Championship, hosted in Bahrain for the first time. The event was also attended by His Highness Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Supreme Council for the Environment (SCE), Deputy Chairman of the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club (REHC), and a member of the SCYS; and Mohammed Jalood, President of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF).
HH Shaikh Nasser emphasised that Bahrain’s hosting of the World Weightlifting Championship is an opportunity to reinforce the Kingdom’s ongoing success in hosting major sporting events. He highlighted the support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who emphasises positioning Bahrain as a premier destination for international sports, and the significant role of the government led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in establishing Bahrain as a global sports hub.
HH Shaikh Nasser noted that Bahrain has achieved a prominent position in the global sports community, earning the trust of international federations across various disciplines. HH Shaikh Nasser attributed this success to the efforts of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the SCYS, Chairman of the General Sports Authority (GSA), and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC), who has helped position Bahrain as one of the most successful nations in hosting and organising major global championships and international competitions. HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad described Bahrain as a global model in the sports events sector.
HH Shaikh Nasser added that hosting the championship marks a new milestone for Bahraini weightlifting, extending the sport’s remarkable achievements. These include the outstanding performances of Bahraini athletes in regional and international competitions, as well as Bahrain’s ability to organise events across all levels. HH Shaikh Nasser expressed confidence that Bahraini athletes would deliver standout performances, contributing to elevating the Kingdom’s presence during this global sporting event.
During the opening ceremony, Eshaq Ebrahim Eshaq, President of the Bahrain Weightlifting Federation, highlighted that hosting the World Weightlifting Championship for the first time, with the participation of 473 athletes from 92 countries, reflects Bahrain’s status as a global sports destination. He described the event as an opportunity to showcase Bahrain’s passion for sports and its ability to host world-class events to the highest standards, aligned with the Kingdom’s commitment of making sports a key driver of comprehensive development.
Jalood expressed appreciation to Bahrain for hosting the championship. He commended the capabilities of Bahraini professionals and acknowledged the Kingdom’s continued achievements on the global sports stage.
The opening ceremony included various segments, most notably a documentary highlighting Bahrain’s rich history and heritage.
HH Shaikh Nasser also honoured the sponsors and supporters of the championship during the event.
