HH Shaikh Nasser gallops to Endurance throne

TDT | Manama                                               

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com    

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa has galloped to the top of the world endurance sport ranking after a string of impressive victories. The ranking crowns the illustrious career of HH Shaikh Nasser, the Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs, in the endurance sport, showcasing classy performances and high-level skills that enabled His Highness to top the podium in highly competitive races.

In a statement, the Royal Endurance Team captain expressed his immense pride at being named the world’s number-one rider in endurance sports, dedicating the achievement to HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who has provided unwavering support throughout his championships.

“I dedicate this international accomplishment to HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, who has supported me throughout all the championships, stood by my side and shared with me his vast experience in equestrian sports,” HH said.

HH Shaikh Nasser also acknowledged the backing of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The loyal Bahraini people and his teammates on the Royal Endurance team were also given due credit for their contribution to his success.

HH Shaikh Nasser emphasised that this accomplishment will serve as a motivation to strive for further victories, while also being a responsibility to maintain.

“It’s a responsibility to maintain it,” HH Shaikh Nasser stated. The news, shared by Shaikh Nasser, on his social media accounts quickly went viral, with many top personalities sharing their happiness and congratulations. Royal Endurance Team’s Jaafar Mirza Abdulnabi, Nasser Hamad Al-Qahtani, ranked third and tenth, respectively, in the ranking.

Honouring ceremony on Sunday

In honour, an official ceremony will be held at the National Action Charter Monument on Sunday. The ceremony, under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, will honour His Highness and the Royal Endurance Team members.

The high-profile ceremony is in recognition of the historic achievement of HH Shaikh Nasser, who won the World Endurance Championship for the 160-km race, hosted recently by the UAE, with the participation of 126 jockeys from 36 countries.

The festivity will also feature programmes and paintings that highlight the victorious journey of the World Champion in endurance and horseracing sports. First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport, General Sports Authority Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee President, His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, will deliver a speech at the ceremony.

International Federation for Equestrian Sports has updated its classification of riders and horses involved in endurance sport at the regional and international levels. The Royal Endurance Team captain’s recent triumphs include winning the World Endurance Championship and the FEI World Endurance Championship for eight-year-old horses.

HH Shaikh Nasser secured the podium with a total of 320 points, placing him well ahead of second-placed Portuguese rider Leonor Moreira, who collected 248 points. The Royal Endurance team’s Jaafar Mirza Abdulnabi clinched third place with 245 points, just three points shy of Moreira.

With his remarkable achievements, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa has cemented his place as a true champion of endurance sport. HH secured the top spot on the podium with a total of 320 points, placing him well ahead of second-placed Portuguese rider Leonor Moreira, who collected 248 points. The Royal Endurance team’s Jaafar Mirza Abdulnabi clinched third place with 245 points, just three points shy of Moreira.