Bahrain national athletes pledged comprehensive health insurance

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

A bill designed to offer extensive health insurance coverage for the national athletes representing Bahrain internationally was passed unanimously by the Council of Representatives yesterday. This initiative primarily aims to secure the athletes’ social welfare, which in turn strengthens their allegiance to the country.

The provision of comprehensive health insurance, coupled with handsome compensation in the event of injury, is intended to encourage athletes to engage more actively in international competitions, thereby boosting their morale.

MP Hasan Ebrahim remarked, “His Majesty the King is the foremost patron of sports in Bahrain.”

He added, “Participation in sports is a powerful means to deter the spread of negative habits in society.” Additionally, MP Mohammed Al Alaiwi raised a critical issue: “Tens of young athletes are forced to prematurely end their careers each month due to severe injuries, often caused by our outdated sports infrastructure, such as the artificial turf (Tartan) that remains in use for more than 15 years, despite its recommended replacement every four years.”

Al Alaiwi’s remarks shed light on the urgent need for modernising sports facilities to ensure athlete safety and well-being.

MP Maryam Al-Dhaen, drawing from her experience as a physician for the national team, highlighted a concerning aspect: only a small percentage of athletes receive full insurance coverage.

She emphasised that athletes are often treated as amateurs with no stable income, underscoring the need for equitable treatment and support for all athletes.

In addition, AlDhain stressed the pressing need to enhance sports medicine in Bahrain and establish well-equipped clinics within sports clubs.