HM King attends King’s Cup final, hails Riffa’s victory

Manama, Feb. 21 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa attended the King’s Cup final between Riffa and Hidd at the National Stadium. HM the King was accompanied by Representative of HM the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of Bahrain Olympic Committee HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of Bahrain Athletics Association HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa. HM King Hamad was welcomed at the stadium by Youth and Sports Affairs Minister, Ayman Tawfiq Al Moayyad and Bahrain Football Association (BFA) President Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa. The match was attended by Deputy Premier HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al-Khalifa, Speaker Fawzia Zainal, Deputy Premier HH Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, senior officials and the heads of sports associations and clubs. The captains of the two teams and the sons of fallen heroes greeted HM the King. A light show highlighted the history of Bahrain's sports and the athletic achievements during the rule of HM the King. Following an exciting match that lasted 120 minutes, Riffa beat Hidd 2-1 to lift the Cup. HM the King greeted the referees, players, coaches and club officials and presented them the commemorative medals. He also presented the Cup to the president of Riffa, Shaikh Abdullah bin Khalid Al Khalifa. His Majesty the King congratulated Riffa team on their deserved triumph resulting from the tremendous efforts exerted by the club’s officials, coaches and players. HM the King praised the outstanding performance of the two teams, the high spirit, skills and abilities of the players that reflected the development of Bahraini football. He expressed his appreciation of the efforts by Riffa and Hidd clubs and their contribution to the development of Bahraini sport in various games. HM the King also praised the successful efforts exerted by the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports under the chairmanship of HH Shaikh Nasser through providing the best possible means of success for the youth of the Kingdom, the participation of young talents and the development of plans and programmes to promote the various sports. Such an approach has enabled Bahrain to accomplish numerous achievements and to win championships and medals, HM the King said, adding that Bahrain is witnessing a new phase of sports progress thanks to the efforts of officials and sports figures. HM the King lauded the role of the Bahrain Football Association and the care it provides to the national clubs in order to continue their role in promoting the game of football, which is reflected in the national team and its participation in various regional, continental and international competitions. He also expressed appreciation of the efforts by the association and all organisers to ensure the success of the Cup final. HM the King hailed the fans of the two teams who attended the match and cheered the players to motivate them to play to the best of their capabilities. HM King Hamad wished all Bahraini teams success and progress in their games in order to represent the Kingdom honourably. Several children of Bahrain’s fallen heroes attended the Cup final under an initiative undertaken by the Royal Fund for Fallen Servicemen. They expressed joy at the opportunity to greet HM the King and watch the match. Shaikh Khalid bin Salman bin Khalid Al Khalifa, the Director of the Royal Fund for Fallen Servicemen said that the attendance of the children was part of the drive to create social and entertainment opportunities to suit their interests and hobbies. It is also within the focus of the Fund on the families and children of fallen servicemen who offered the finest examples of sacrifice in defence of the homeland and of the commitment to right over wrong.