*** Bahraini Stars Rise at ISF Gymnasiade 2024: A Historic Medal Haul for the Kingdom | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Bahraini Stars Rise at ISF Gymnasiade 2024: A Historic Medal Haul for the Kingdom

TDT | Manama

Email: hussianm@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain’s youth have continued to dominate at the 2024 International School Sport Federation (ISF) Gymnasiade. The kingdom’s medal tally has surged with a flurry of impressive performances across multiple disciplines.

Track and Field 

Alaa Sami clinched silver in the boys’ 200m sprint, proving Bahrain’s growing strength in track events. Not to be outdone, Aisha Abdullah mirrored this success in the women’s 200m, securing another silver for the host nation. The boys’ 4x100m relay team added to the athletics haul with a silver medal, demonstrating Bahrain’s depth in sprinting talent. In a heartening display of inclusivity and competitive spirit, Ahmed Nooh powered his way to a silver medal in the wheelchair racing 3000m event, highlighting Bahrain’s commitment to para-sports. The success extended beyond the track, as Bahrain’s handball team notched a convincing 28- 19 victory over regional rivals Saudi Arabia. This win further cemented the kingdom’s reputation as a sporting powerhouse in the making.

article-image

Taekwondo Achievements

The taekwondo arena has been a particular hotbed of Bahraini success. Haleema AlBusaeedi’s gold medal performance set the tone, with her teammate Thajba AlBusaeedi securing silver. Fadi AlThawadi added to the tally with a silver medal, while Juan Karlos and Abdulrahman Al Qasimi both claimed bronze, showcasing the breadth of Bahrain’s taekwondo talent.

A Statement of Intent

Perhaps most emblematic of the team’s success was the women’s 4x100m relay team, who electrified the home crowd with a golden performance that will be etched in the annals of Bahraini sporting history. Their win was also a statement of intent from a nation rapidly ascending in the world of athletics. Firas Al-Halwaji, a key figure in the organizing committee, praised the Bahraini youth for their exceptional hosting efforts and competitive spirit. “This Gymnasiade is not just about medals,” Al-Halwaji stated. “It’s a testament to our ability to nurture talent and stage world-class events. The success we’re seeing is the fruition of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s vision and the unwavering support of our leadership.”

Looking Ahead

As the Gymnasiade enters its final stages, Bahrain stands tall, not just as hosts but as competitors making their mark on the global stage. The legacy of this event will likely be felt for years to come, inspiring a new generation of Bahraini athletes to dream big and reach for gold. As the sun sets on each day of competition, it rises on the promise of Bahrain’s sporting future — a future that, if this Gymnasiade is any indication, is blindingly bright.