Preparation for World Championship underway

Manama: July is set to mark the beginning of a new era for Bahrain, according to the CEO of KHK MMA, Mohammed Shahid. With eight strong fighters to be taken this year, in comparison to last year’s two, Shahid is quietly confident medals will be won, and Bahrain is set to be the biggest winner.  

Shahid said, “This championship will be a win-win situation for Bahrain. These athletes, no matter what, are going to come home with their heads held high having done their country proud. The example they set will be followed by the youth of Bahrain.”

Instead of discussing medals, Shahid has spoken of the characteristics they are developing in KHK’s fighters. 

“They want to create role models for the kids of Bahrain. Hard-working, disciplined athletes, who show all the qualities which are required in successful people,” he said.

Fighters are entering a gruelling phase of their training now as they complete preparations for the Championships. The countdown to July 5th has begun and Shahid believes that there is a buzz around the gym which is breeding confidence in the team. 

“These guys are bringing the best in each other, sparring with each other, competing with each other, and as a result they are raising their levels constantly,” Shahid explained. “But we are not focusing on glory or medals, it’s the habits and the standards these fighters adopt in their everyday life, which is our focus. Success will come naturally with those things.”

Hussain Ayyad will be confident having tasted success recently at the European Open. He took home a bronze medal from Birmingham and claimed a huge scalp in the process, defeating the highly favoured Serdar Atlas. He proved he can hang with the best and has reason to believe he can defeat anyone who steps into the cage with him. Hussein is entering his peak years at 27-years-old and there is a lot of expectation surrounding him in the gym, which striking coach Eldar Eldarov  explained, he takes in his stride.