ISF Gymnasiade 2024 concludes with Bahrain’s record-breaking medal haul

A Sprint to the Finish

On the final day of competition, Bahraini athletes added nine more medals to their impressive tally.

The athletics team shone bright at the Bahrain National Stadium, with the girls’ medley relay team of Naima Naomi, Rehana Garbohat, Aisha Bess, and Sofiane Hasmo clinching gold with a time of 2:09.89.

Alaa Samuel secured silver in the boys’ 200m with a time of 21.43 seconds, while Aisha Abdullah took bronze in the girls’ 200m, clocking 23.82 seconds.

The boys’ 4x100m relay team of Othman Qamar, Alaa Sami, Abbas Abu Bakr, and Rashid Talib also impressed, earning silver with a time of 40.97.

Handball

Bahrain handball team finished second after losing the final to France won 29-21 to take silver.

Despite the outstanding performance of Bahrain’s players throughout the tournament, the French team was able to excel in the final match, to win gold.

The fans praised the great efforts made by the Bahraini team and its strong performance, which qualified it to reach the final match and compete for the title.

Taekwondo

The taekwondo team concluded their campaign on a high note, with Yousif Redha securing gold in the under-73 kg category by defeating India’s Jaden Zumnawei.

Hadi Ghuloum added a bronze in the under-55 kg category, while Wesal Al-Ammar claimed bronze in the girls’ category.

The performances in taekwondo not only showcased individual talent but also highlighted Bahrain’s commitment to excellence in martial arts

Volleyball

Bahrain’s school handball team secured a silver medal in the International School Games after a hard-fought battle against France in the final.

Despite their efforts, the team fell short, but their performance throughout the tournament is one to be proud of. Boxing Brilliance The boxing arena witnessed stellar performances from Bahraini athletes.

Mohamed Sahak’s gold medal win was complemented by Rawan Faqehi andSophia Mosa’s silver, while Yousef Khaled and Layla Isa secured bronze medals, underlining the depth of talent in Bahraini boxing.

Paralympic Pride

Bahrain’s commitment to inclusive sports was evident as Ahmed Nader claimed silver in the 3000m T53 wheelchair race.

In the Paralympic badminton singles, Zainab Ali Salman’s bronze medal performance showcased the kingdom’s growing prowess in adaptive sports.

3x3 Basketball Finals

While Bahrain didn’t feature in the finals, the 3x3 basketball tournament concluded with thrilling matches.

In the men’s final, Brazil defeated Italy, while Slovenia beat Nigeria in the women’s final.

India’s women’s team was awarded the fair play award, highlighting the spirit of sportsmanship that defined the tournament.

A Legacy of Success

This unprecedented success at the ISF Gymnasiade is not just about the medals; it represents a watershed moment for Bahraini sports.

The performances of these young athletes have set a new benchmark and laid a solid foundation for the future of sports in the kingdom. Firas Al-Halwaji, a key figure in the organizing committee, expressed his pride in the Bahraini youth and the success of the event.

“This Gymnasiade has been a testament to our ability to nurture talent and stage world-class events,” he stated. “The success we’ve witnessed is the fruition of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s vision and the unwavering support of our leadership.”

As the athletes return home, they carry with them not just medals but invaluable experience that will serve them well in future international competitions.

The legacy of this event will resonate for years to come, inspiring future generations of Bahraini athletes to strive for excellence on the global stage.

Bahrain has proven itself as a capable host and also emerged as a rising power in international youth sports. The future of Bahraini athletics looks brighter than ever, with these young stars leading the way.