France and Bahrain Cement Sporting Ties at Diplomatic Reception

Honoring Sports Achievements

Held at the Residence of France in Manama, the ceremony brought together key figures from both countries, including His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, and Bahrain’s Olympic medalists.

French Ambassador Éric Giraud-Telme praised Bahrain's sporting accomplishments at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. “Thank you, HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, for your visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to sports for Bahrain’s ambition. Your presence here tonight is a testament to the strong friendship between France and Bahrain and our shared commitment to the universal values of sport,” he stated.

Bahrain was recognized for its stellar performance at the Paris Games, where the Kingdom ranked first among Arab nations, securing four medals, including two gold. Medalists such as Winfred Yavi, Akhmed Tazhudinov, and Gor Minasyan were in attendance, with Salwa Eid Naser receiving an honorable mention.

Yavi Reflects on Her Journey

Speaking exclusively to The Daily Tribune, Winfred Yavi, a Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete specializing in the 3000 meters steeplechase, shared her thoughts on the transformative power of her achievements. Yavi, who is currently the second-fastest athlete in history over the distance with a personal best of 8:44.39, secured the gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics, setting a new Olympic record in the process.

“Winning an Olympic medal changed my life, especially since it is one of the biggest sporting events in the world,” Yavi said. “The Bahraini faithful have been very supportive, and I look forward to giving them more.”

A Vision for the Future

The newly signed cooperation agreement is set to enhance the countries’ sporting ambitions and encourage opportunities for youth development. Ambassador Giraud-Telme emphasized the broader impact of the collaboration, stating, “Together, we share a vision of sport as a catalyst for human, economic, and cultural development. I am confident that this enhanced cooperation will yield success for France and Bahrain and, more importantly, for future generations.”

Strengthening Cultural and Athletic Bonds

The reception reflected the deep-rooted relationship between France and Bahrain, demonstrating how sports can serve as a bridge between cultures while encouraging excellence and mutual growth. This partnership signals a promising future for the two nations as they continue to leverage the power of sport to build stronger ties and empower future generations.