Reviving traditional sports

Manama : His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa yesterday voiced his strong backing to efforts to revive Bahrain’s heritage, while congratulating winners and participants of the Bahrain Falcons and Hunting tournament.

King Hamad along with Prince Al Hassan bin Talal was attending the hunting tournament held under the patronage of HM the King’s Representative for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Supreme Council for Youth and Sport (SCYS) Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) President HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The tournament which is now in its third edition will run until mid-February. The event is being held at “Al-Sabkha” area, opposite to Bahrain International Endurance Village.

Earlier, HM the King and Prince Al Hassan bin Talal were received on arrival at the venue by Shaikh Nasser and Bahrain Athletics Association (BAA) Chief HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al-Khalifa and Supreme Council for the Environment (SCE) Deputy President and Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) Chairman Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al-Khalifa.

The tournament includes different categories for falcons, a traditional one-kilometre Arabian horse race, Saluki dogs hunting contest for one kilometre and a shooting competition. The tournament is now in its fourth week.

Hailing the strong performance, HM the King said the large of participants in the tournament reflects the popularity the traditional sport enjoys in the Kingdom.

Participants at the Falcons and Hunting tournament