Manama, Bahrain, August 18, 2021: The President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, received at Al Wadi Palace members of the Tokyo 2020 delegation.
These included the head of the delegation, HH Shaikh Isa bin Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, BOC Secretary-General HE Mr Mohammed Hasan Al Nusuf and athlete Kalkidan Gezahegne, who won the silver medal in the women’s 10,000 metres.
The meeting was attended by HH Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Vice President of the General Sports Authority, Dr Abdulrahman Sadiq Askar, CEO of the General Sports Authority, and Mr Mohammed Abdulatif bin Jalal, President of the Bahrain Athletics Association.
HH Shaikh Khalid conveyed the greetings and congratulations from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to the attendees on Bahrain’s Olympic accomplishment.
His Highness expressed utmost pride at the achievement of Kalkidan and said it confirmed the progress of athletics in the Kingdom thanks to the support of HM the King and the interest of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince Prime Minister. This support had put Bahrain on the global athletics map, he added.
HH Shaikh Khalid also highlighted the great efforts exerted by HM the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, in implementing the visions and instructions of HM the King to develop sports in Bahrain.
HH Shaikh Khalid confirmed the continued support to athletics in the preparations for the next Olympic Games.
HH Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa said: "The achievement of Kalkidan is an embodiment of the care and support of HM the King and the interest of HRH the Crown Prince, Prime Minister in sports and athletes, as well as the continued support provided by HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the backing and follow-up of HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, which has contributed to raising the level of sports and athletes in the Kingdom.
“This has prompted our sports people to achieve strong accomplishments in various continental and international competitions.”
Kalkidan added: "I am proud to manage to raise Bahrain's flag high at the Tokyo Olympics. It makes you feel great to know that you are among the champions who wrote history for Bahrain and honoured its colours.
“I dedicate this achievement to HM the King, HRH the Crown Prince Prime Minister, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad, HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad, the President and the members of the Bahrain Athletics Association, whose support was crucial.”
Source: Bahrain News Agency
