HH Shaikh Nasser lauds success of inaugural Bahrain Night Half Marathon

Manama, Mar. 16 (BNA): His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the King's Representative for Charitable and Youth Affairs, President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, has extended his thanks and appreciation to HM the King for his patronage of the inaugural Bahrain Night Half Marathon. Some of the world’s top half marathoners participated in the race organised by the Bahrain Athletics Association. HH Shaikh Nasser hailed HM the King’s support and encouragement for athletes and races, who has had a great effect on accomplishing many achievements and hosting many regional, continental and international competitions in the Kingdom. HM the King’s special attention to the youth and sports sectors has contributed to the advancement and development of sports in the country, which reflected on the results of the various teams that participate in foreign competitions and the success of the Kingdom in hosting many important sporting events, he added. HH Shaikh Nasser said that HM the King’s patronage was the main factor behind the success of the inaugural international half-marathon in Bahrain, which was a new accolade for the honourable performances by the various athletics teams and the Bahrain Athletics Association. HH Shaikh Nasser congratulated HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of Bahrain Athletics Association and President of the West Asian Athletics Federation on the success of the race in Bahrain, paying tribute to the association’s contribution to raising athletics standards. Such competitions give Bahrain a special status and help spotlight the kingdom’s achievements in politics, tourism, economy and the media, in line with the policy of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, he added. The participation of some of the world’s top half marathoners is an achievement for the Bahrain Athletics Association and a tribute to Bahrain’s ability to host international competitions successfully, HH Shaikh Nasser said. HH Shaikh Nasser congratulated the top three winners and wished better luck to the other participants.