Nasser bin Hamad patronises book launch

Manama, Jan. 17 (BNA): Under the patronage of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, the official launching ceremony of the Book titled "Isa bin Rashid..Highlights and Memories from the Gulf Football Cup" was held in Sofitel Hotel amidst a large official turnout from senior officials in the country. They were headed by Shaikh Isa bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Honourary President of Bahrain Olympic Committee, and included HE Mr. Saleh bin Isa bin Hindi, His Majesty the King’s Advisor for sport affairs; HE Mr. Hisham bin Mohammed Al Jowder, Minister of Youth & Sports; HE Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Governor of Southern Governorate; Mr. Abdulrahman Askar, General Secretary of Bahrain Olympic Committee; Mr. Moanes Al Mardi, Chairman of Bahrain Journalists Association; several MPs; Ambassadors; and representatives from Bahrain-based GCC-state embassies; and the Iraqi and Yemeni Ambassadors to Bahrain. Appreciation befits Tremendous Contributions During the event, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa stressed that Shaikh Isa bin Rashid Al Khalifa is a prominent sporting symbol in the Arabian Gulf region, who deserves great appreciation worth his stature in recognition of his long-lasting efforts which contributed in the establishment of the Gulf Cups. Furthermore, HH Shaikh Nasser pointed to the large role played by Shaikh Isa bin Rashid in forming and creating the identity of the football sports in the Arabian Gulf region, making the Gulf Cup amongst the greatest sporting events regionally, thanks to the huge public and official interest it gathered. "The successes achieved by the Gulf Cup result from the sincere efforts made by Shaikh Isa bin Rashid Al Khalifa and his compatriots from the other Gulf states who have made a clear imprint in the journey of this prestigious competition," HH Shaikh Nasser highlighted. "It’s very important for us to preserve the contributions of Shaikh Isa bin Rashid Al Khalifa through the long years, so we can continue our achievement march. He is a great example we must follow to develop our sports field," HH Shaikh Nasser added, stating: "We as Bahrainis are very proud of having Shaikh Isa bin Rashid Al Khalifa representing the Kingdom of Bahrain in enriching the Gulf Cup and being one of its founders. Thus it’s a responsibility for us to document this for the next generations. This book is a heritage of great value because of the fact of the contents it contains, which are a testimony to the history of this prestigious competition." Life and Legacy For his part, His Excellency Mr. Saleh bin Isa bin Hindi, HM the King's Advisor for sport affairs, gave a speech in which he commended Shaikh Isa bin Rashid Al Khalifa’s prominent role in the Gulf Cup. He also recollected many memories and historical incidents that connected them, praising his worth and generosity, which was reflected in his service and the flourishing of the sport in the Arab Gulf states. Bin Hindi recounted some amusing anecdotes of Shaikh Isa bin Rashid Al Khalifa, winning the audience’s admiration. He pointed out Shaikh Isa bin Rashid Al Khalifa’s charisma, which had a prominent effect on strengthening fraternal relations between the Gulf States on the level of youth and sports. He also cited some of the Shaikh’s qualities, remembered by the generations that have passed on the level of the game in the region. In his speech, Bin Hindi also praised the significant role of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa in supporting the flourishing sports and youth movement in the Kingdom, especially in the recent period which has witnessed a national movement by devoted Bahraini youth, embodying the vision of the leadership in supporting Bahraini youth, to enable them to honour their nation in various international forums. Touching words During his speech, Shaikh Isa bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Honourary President of the Olympic Committee of Bahrain, expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa for his directives in issuing the book, profusely thanking the editorial family that contributed to this publication seeing the light. Shaikh Isa bin Rashid related some touching stories, referring to his relationship with the martyr Fahad Al Ahmad Al Sabah and His Highness Prince Faisal bin Fahad Al Saud, and the fraternal atmosphere that surrounded Gulf Cup tournaments, the special relations between the participating delegations, as well as the great tension between the brotherly countries in terms of sporting competition. Shaikh Isa bin Rashid Al Khalifa fired up the audience’s excitement when he related funny stories which the Gulf Cup tournaments were filled with. He revealed many important secrets which had a significant impact in the history of the competition and dedicated the book to the GCC sports family, wishing prosperity and progress for the tournament through the young football leaders who continue the march towards success in football events. Interesting Points The book, which was supervised by Mr. Tawfiq Al Salehi, Manager of the Media and Information Office of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, with an editing committee that included Mahmoud Bahrain and Walid Almoauda and contains five chapters. The first chapter presents several speeches by the wise leadership and the most prominent sports leaders in the Kingdom. The second chapter features memories and incidents surrounding Shaikh Isa bin Rashid and the Gulf Cup, while the third focuses on the relationship between Shaikh Rashid and Prince Faisal bin Fahad and the martyr Fahad Al Ahmad. The fourth chapter allots great spaces for the competition’s photo album. The fifth and final chapter is a biography of Shaikh Isa bin Rashid and his most important positions, in sports and otherwise. Signing and honouring At the ceremony’s conclusion, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa signed the book’s special edition and was gifted one by Shaikh Isa bin Rashid Al Khalifa. His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad and the Committee honoured many officials, sponsors and ambassadors and representatives of GCC embassies, and the ambassadors of Iraq and Yemen, in the presence of an audience and distinctive media coverage.