Manama, Jan. 28 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa deputised His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, to attend the official opening ceremony of the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship, which is being held at the Royal Golf Club from January 29 to February 1, 2026.

Upon arrival, His Highness was received by His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of the General Sports Authority and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee.

The opening ceremony was attended by General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, and a number of senior officials.

On the occasion, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad expressed thanks and appreciation to His Majesty the King for his generous patronage of the championship, which reflects His Majesty's support of Bahraini sports and hosting international sporting events. His Highness also praised the continuous support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister and his keenness to create the ideal environment for hosting international championships.

His Highness noted that the championship is one of the most prominent events in the international golf calendar, thanks to its excellent organisation and high technical level, in addition to the opportunity it represents to showcase Bahrain's advanced sporting and tourism potential to the world. His Highness wished all participants success.

The opening ceremony began with the royal anthem, followed by a speech by His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad, in which he expressed thanks and appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for his continued support for sports in general and golf in particular, and to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister for his continued support of the sports sector.

His Highness also thanked His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad for supporting the development of Bahraini sports.

His Highness announced the renewal of the Kingdom of Bahrain's contract to host this championship for the next 10 years, which reflects confidence in Bahrain's ability to organise, sustain success and strengthen global sports partnerships.

His Highness noted that the championship is held this year with the participation of the strongest golf players in the world and three Bahraini players, in addition to an integrated program of entertainment. His Highness hailed the efforts of the championship’s organisers, Bapco Energies, sponsors, partners, working committees and volunteers.

Tom Phillips, Director of Middle East at DP World Tour, also delivered a speech in which he praised the outstanding level of organization and preparation, commending the efforts of the organising committee and all those who helped make the championship a success.

The ceremony featured a special artistic segment that included a song and a film showcasing the history of golf in the Kingdom of Bahrain, its stages of development, and its regional and international standing. The film also highlighted the achievements of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad, with the number (13), as well as the Kingdom of Bahrain's comprehensive development, and touched on the ‘Year of Isa Al Kabeer’ which the Kingdom celebrates in 2026.

His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad also signed the golf ball, and the show concluded with the entry of the line of countries participating in the championship.

A.S, Z.I