Top honour for ‘outstanding heroes’

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has conferred the National Action Medals on Bahrain’s national football team players in recognition of their achievement in the 24th Gulf Cup.

Addressing the team as “Bahrain’s most outstanding heroes”, HM King said, “We are pleased to confer the National Action Medal on our Bahrain heroes in recognition of their great achievement and to motivate them to continue their sporting distinctions.”

“I greet you with the most beautiful greeting on this historic occasion that brought joy to the hearts of all the people of Bahrain.”

HM, the King was patronising a ceremony held to celebrate Bahrain’s National Football Team winning the 24th Gulf Cup in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier.

Well deserved victory

The victory is “well-deserved”, HM the King told National Football team, and exemplifies the ability of the Kingdom to compete “with a high sense of responsibility and an advanced degree of discipline” as we move forward towards our brighter future.

HM, the King said he salutes the great efforts of the national team, as well as that of the technical and administrative staff, which helped Bahrain accomplish achievements in various competitions and championships. The ceremony was organised at the National Action Charter Monument by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs, in cooperation with other ministries.

Earlier, HM the King was welcomed by his Personal Representative for Charity Work and Youth Affairs, National Security Advisor and Chairman of the Supreme Council of Youth and Sports (SCYS) His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the SCYS First Deputy Chairman and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Education Minister Dr Majid bin Ali Al Nuaimi, Minister of Youth and Sport Affairs Ayman Tawfeeq Al-Moayed and President of Bahrain Football Association Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.

Years of hard work

HH Shaikh Nasser said that the achievements are the result of years of hard work, thanks to the support of His Majesty the King. “Your Majesty has laid down the right basis, thanks to your insightful view because you believed in your people and their abilities and gave them all the support. Today, you are witnessing the harvest of your efforts and your great support,” Shaikh Nasser said.

Shaikh Nasser paid tribute to His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, and His Excellency Ayman bin Tawfiq Al Moayyed, the Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs, for their efforts. “We have seen them in action, and we have seen them confronting challenges, and today, we all witness the results of their endeavours,” he said.

Shaikh Nasser read a short poem praising the national team and presented the Gulf trophy to HM the King. A commemorative photo was taken for HM the King and the national football team. The Education Minister praised the royal speech, describing it as an incentive to bring about further accomplishments.

The minister stressed the great importance given by the Education Ministry to the school sport to hone the talents in coordination with the sports associations.