Kuwait City, Kuwait, March 18, 2020: The President of the Olympic Council of Asia, HE Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al-Sabah, has expressed his deepest condolences to the Royal family in Bahrain on the passing of HE Sheikh Issa bin Rashid Al-Khalifa. He was 81 years old.
Speaking on behalf of the Olympic sports movement in Asia, Sheikh Ahmad said he had worked with Sheikh Issa for several years and that he would miss his wisdom and knowledge of sport.
Sheikh Issa was associated with the OCA for almost two decades and was Vice President (West Asia) of the OCA for over 10 years.
“Sheikh Issa made a major contribution to the sports movement over a number of years, not only in Bahrain and the Gulf region but also in Asia and the world,” said Sheikh Ahmad.
“He was an important and respected member of the OCA, serving the interests of the National Olympic Committees in West Asia and representing them with great leadership as OCA Vice President.
“His contribution to the Olympic movement in Asia will never be forgotten, and his presence will be greatly missed.”
Sheikh Ahmad concluded: “I would like to express our deepest condolences on behalf of the OCA to the Royal family in Bahrain, the people of Bahrain, the Bahrain Olympic Committee and everyone who was associated with Sheikh Issa.
“We pray to Allah to bless the deceased with his mercy and may he rest in peace,” Sheikh Ahmad stated.
Sheikh Issa was widely known as the icon of national sport and was mainly responsible for the construction of the strong base for Bahraini sport and the establishment of the Bahrain Olympic Committee in 1979.
He was the first President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee and served the Olympic Movement with dedication for almost 29 years.