Bahraini Boxers Impress at Al Ain Ramadan Championship

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

A Golden Night for Bahrain

The Al Ain Ramadan Boxing Championship drew to a close on March 11 with Bahrain’s pugilists etching their names into the event’s history. Staged in the sports hall of Al Ain Club, UAE, under the esteemed patronage of Sheikh Dr. Saeed Bin Tahnoun Bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, the tournament welcomed 122 athletes from six nations. Leading Bahrain’s charge was Ali Khaled Bakhlaf of JD Bahrain Club, who clinched gold in the 63.5kg elite men’s division with a ruthless performance against Anatoli Gregoryan. For a nation steadily building its boxing credentials, this win highlighted Bahrain’s growing influence in the sport.

Bakhlaf’s Mastery and Bahrain’s Contingent

Ali Khaled Bakhlaf’s victory was a study in ring generalship. Facing Gregoryan, he showed impeccable timing and footwork, weaving through his opponent’s defences to land precise, punishing blows. His gold in the 63.5kg category capped a standout tournament for Bahrain, whose delegation departed the Kingdom on March 9 with high hopes. Alongside Bakhlaf, the team—coached by Fethi Missaoui and Mohamed Naseem—included Fahad Saleh Abdullah (60kg elite), Abdullah Saleh Alabdullah (71kg elite), Rasheed Wahid Ali (80kg elite), and youth fighter Ahmed Hany Attia (60kg). While Bakhlaf’s podium finish stole the headlines, the collective effort of this squad, representing Bahrain against elite and youth competition from Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, and the UAE, spoke volumes of their preparation and ambition.

Al Ain impress on home turf

Al Ain Club emerged as the overall champions, hoisting the trophy after three days of fierce exchanges, with Rocky Road Boxing Club Dubai and Fujairah Martial Arts Club securing second and third places respectively. Organised by the Al Ain Ramadan Tournament Organizing Committee in partnership with the UAE Boxing Federation, the event featured 17 local clubs, six GCC teams, and Iranian contenders. Notable performances included Yousri Rizq’s dominant +92kg win and Lin Tarek Al Sheikh’s captivating 54kg women’s victory, both adding depth to a competition that showcased the region’s finest. Yet, Bahrain’s golden moment through Bakhlaf provided a poignant highlight, amplifying the Kingdom’s presence on the regional stage.

Next stop: Bahrain’s Open-Air Spectacle

With the Al Ain success still resonating, attention now turns to April 18, when Bahrain will host its fourth outdoor licensed boxing event. This open-air showcase promises to elevate the Kingdom’s boxing profile further, offering a platform for talents like Bakhlaf and his teammates to dazzle under the stars. Following the intensity of the Ramadan Championship—where every punch carried the weight of national pride—this forthcoming event is poised to draw a fervent crowd. For Bahrain’s boxing fraternity, it’s a chance to build on their momentum, blending skill and spectacle in a setting that’s becoming a cherished tradition.