Special welcome for Bahrain’s icon Al Haddad

Manama : Bahrain’s bodybuilding icon Sami Al Haddad was given a special welcome on his return from Slovakia after first-place finish at the 2016 IFBB Mozolani Pro Classic.

The Bahraini veteran overcame an eight-contestant challenge in the Pro Men’s Bodybuilding 202 LBS at the Mozolani Trainings Fitness Club, in Zilina.

It was a second win in Zilina following a similar achievement two years ago in the same competition.

Al Haddad picked up the top prize of U$3,000 and was followed by Ronny Rockel of Germany with the silver and Iraqi Ahmad Ahmad the bronze.

Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) general secretary Abdulrahman Askar, Public Security Sports Federation president Khalid Al Khayyat and other top officials welcomed Al Haddad on arrival at Bahrain International Airport.

Askar conveyed the greetings of Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Chairman, and BOC President, and his best wishes for him in future challenges.

He described Al Haddad as an athletic role model for his various contributions at international bodybuilding championships over the past years, noting that his recent achievement is a continuation of his previous successes.

Askar wished Al Haddad success after qualifying for this year’s edition of the prestigious Mr Olympia, to be held in September in Nevada, in the US.