HM the King receives Tennis Club founders, presidents

Manama, Mar. 6 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received at Safriya Palace today his Representative for Charity Work and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport (SCYS) and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa who introduced to him founders, veterans, President and members of Bahrain Tennis Club, marking the 40th anniversary of the club. HM the King welcomed them and congratulated them on the 40th anniversary of the club. He tasked the Youth and Sport Affairs Ministry to conduct a comprehensive study to set up a central tennis court to promote the game and develop it as well as host continental and international championships. HM King Hamad commended contributions of Bahrain Tennis Association in promoting the game and boosting its popularity among the youth. He praised steady development of the game thanks to the remarkable care given to it. HM the King lauded the efforts made by Shaikh Nasser to develop tennis, diversify sports and encourage youngsters to practise them. He pointed out the numerous achievements brought about by Bahraini athletes in regional and international competitions, praising the efforts of the Youth and Sport Affairs Ministry in providing support to Bahraini clubs. HM the King also lauded the dedicated efforts of the veteran Bahraini athletes in promoting the youth and sport movement. HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad, in his speech, took pride in HM the King's support for sport and youth sectors which contributed to their progress. He noted the support of Bahrain's rulers prior to the establishment of modern government institutions and authorities. He gave an overview of sport movement in Bahrain and the launch of the first organised sport teams in 1928, the establishment of first football association in 1952 leading to the establishment of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports that opened wider prospects for sport development. He pointed out the pioneers' efforts in building Bahrain's sports administrative and technical organizational structure and their role in strengthening relations with international sports associations. He touched on the history of Bahraini sport clubs, including Tennis Club, which has been moving steadily toward excellence since inception 40 years ago. He vowed to keep working hard and to further develop Bahrain's sport movement. Bahrain Tennis Club President Khamis Mohammed Al-Muqla, in his speech, expressed appreciation of HM the King's support for sport movement in general and Tennis Club in particular. He said the club, since its establishment in early seventies, has embraced citizens and residents alike who presented a fine example of loyalty to the homeland. He said the club continues the development march in line with the royal directives and support of the government led by HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, and the follow-up of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad. He stressed to work closely with Bahrain Tennis Association to stage more international tournaments to contribute to the development of tennis movement. He vowed to continue the game development, expressing gratitude to HM the King for his support and interest in promoting sport movement. HM the King honoured Bahrain Tennis Club's founders and staff, including: - HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa. - HH Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa, President of Tennis Association since 1991. - Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa. - Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Rashid Al Khalifa, former President of Tennis Association. - Lt-Gen Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa. - Saleh bin Isa bin Hindi. - Dr. Ali Mohammed Fakhro, Club President 1973-1979. - Shaikh Salman bin Sagr Al Khalifa, Club President 1999-2000. - Yusuf Haider, Club President 2001-2006. - Khamis Al-Mugla, Club President since 2007. - Dr. Tawfeeq Abdulrahman Al-Moayyad, Club President 1981-1990.