Bahrain Women's Hockey scores big for regional empowerment

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Report by Ashen Tharaka

A new wave of hope and empowerment is crashing across the ice in Bahrain, thanks to the first-ever Women's Ice Hockey Tournament held in the Kingdom.

The competition, which witnessed Bahrain grab a commendable third place, signifies a major step forward for women's sports in the region.

The two-day gathering in Manama saw teams from the UAE, Kuwait, Russia, Oman, and Saudi Arabia battle it out, with the UAE clinching gold, Kuwait securing silver, and Bahrain proudly taking home the bronze.

But the real victory lies beyond the medals. "This is another step to introduce our women to the world, showcasing their skills and talents," stated Bahrain Ice Hockey Club president Abdullah Alkassemi.

He emphasized the continuous development of women's sports in Bahrain, highlighting the team's ambition to secure membership in the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) by May.

The future holds even more promise, with ambitious plans to participate in the Asian Games and continuous efforts to nurture young talent.

"We are hoping for more support from the government to develop women's and kids hockey in Bahrain," Alkassemi added, extending an invitation to expats to join the team.

Haneen Janahi, an 18-year-old team member, told the Daily Tribune that this tournament is more than just a competition.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for teenagers to develop their skills," she enthused, acknowledging the sport's relative infancy in Bahrain.

"Being part of the only team in the country is a blessing, and we're ready to play in more tournaments abroad!"

The tournament symbolizes a growing momentum for women's empowerment in the region, proving that passion and dedication can shatter barriers and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.

This is just the beginning of their journey, and the world is watching with anticipation as they take to the ice, carving their names in sporting history.