Manama, Nov. 24 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa received senior members of the Royal Family, senior officials, citizens, achievers and medal winners from the ISF Gymnasiade Bahrain 2024, at Al Sakhir Palace.

At the start of the reception, HM the King welcomed the attendees, highlighting the significance of such gatherings in reinforcing the people of Bahrain’s spirit of unity and embodies the values of compassion and brotherhood which have long defined the nation’s heritage.

Following a recitation from the Holy Quran, His Majesty delivered a speech as follows:

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate,

Peace and blessings be upon you all.

It brings us great pleasure to meet with you today to celebrate the outstanding success and exceptional performance of the recently concluded ISF Gymnasiade, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the winners from public and private schools for their remarkable achievements.

On this joyful occasion, we express my deep appreciation to His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa for their exceptional leadership and continuous follow-up to ensure the success of this international sporting event, which reflects their sincere dedication to serving the nation.

We also commend the efforts of the teams involved in organising this sporting event, led by the Minister of Education, alongside all officials, administrators, and volunteers, whose hard work and dedication elevated the event to this high standard of accomplishment.

We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the outstanding efforts and achievements of our sons and daughters, the 'Champions of Bahrain,' who excelled in their athletic performances and proudly raised Bahrain's name high on the podiums of this significant sporting event, reflecting the advanced level of Bahraini sports.

As ambassadors for our beloved nation, you embodyed the values we hold dear. Your warm and gracious hospitality towards guests from around the world left a positive and lasting impression, reflecting the generosity and kindness that characterise the people of Bahrain.

Congratulations to all the winners, and we look forward to future occasions where we celebrate even more outstanding achievements.

Peace and blessings be upon you.

Then, the achievers and medal winners from the recently hosted ISF Gymnasiade Bahrain 2024 had the honour of meeting His Majesty the King. His Majesty congratulated them, commending their accomplishments and the positive results that brought pride to their nation in this global sporting event, while extending his best wishes for their success in future competitions and tournaments.

In turn, Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education, delivered a speech in which he extended gratitude and appreciation to His Majesty for hosting the champions of the Kingdom his sons and daughters, who excelled in the ISF Gymnasiade Bahrain 2024 and achieved remarkable individual and team accomplishments, securing top ranks among competitors from across the globe.

He expressed pride in His Majesty's patronage of the ISF Gymnasiade, noting that His Majesty’s guidance and support were pivotal to the success of this historic event, further cementing Bahrain’s reputation as a leading host for global sporting events.

The minister highlighted His Majesty’s dedication to education, sports, and youth, noting the directives to provide this generation with opportunities to develop intellectually and physically. He underscored the recent recognition of academic achievers by His Majesty, now followed by the honour extended to international sports champions, reflecting His Majesty’s care and support, which continues to inspire Bahrain’s youth.

Dr. Juma also acknowledged the continuos follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in ensuring the event’s success.

He commended HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), for inspiring Bahrain’s youth through his distinguished achievements, alongside those of his children.

Additionally, the minister commended the direct supervision of HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the SCYS, Chairman of the General Sports Authority (GSA), and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC), in organising committees and collaborative efforts across educational and sports entities which were recognised regionally and internationally.

Dr. Juma noted the achievements of Bahrain’s students, who won 66 medals, placing fourth regionally and 13th globally. He described these results as a testament to the nation’s progress and a promising future for school sports in Bahrain under the leadership of His Majesty the King.

The attendees expressed their gratitude to His Majesty the King for his ongoing communication with Bahrain’s citizens, highlighting the achievements under his leadership, including advancements in housing, education, healthcare, and urban development. They wished the Kingdom continued success and progress, on both regional and global levels, under HM the King's leadership.

A.S, H.F, A.A.M