Manama, Dec. 6 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister delegated His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs to attend the closing ceremony of the IRONMAN 70.3 Middle East Championship Bahrain 2025, which was a special edition that highlighted the Kingdom's advanced position on the global sports map.

The closing ceremony was attended by a number of senior officials.

His Highness affirmed that the success of this year’s edition is a continuation of the Kingdom's excellence under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. His Highness pointed out that the championship reflects the Kingdom's ambitious vision of making Bahrain a preferred sporting destination for continental and international championships.

His Highness added that the large turnout of professional and amateur competitors from around the world confirms the growing international confidence in the Kingdom's organisational capabilities and reflects the scale of investment in sport as an influential sector in comprehensive development.

His Highness noted that the success of this edition adds to the Kingdom of Bahrain's track record of hosting major sporting events, reinforcing its position as a leading platform for innovation and sporting excellence in the region and the world.

His Highness also expressed pride in the victory of Team Bahrain Victorious in the men's and women's professional categories, emphasising that this achievement reflects the advanced level the team has reached in major competitions and embodies their ability to compete and achieve honourable results in the biggest international tournaments. His Highness noted that this excellence adds to the series of successes achieved by the team at various levels.

At the end of the ceremony, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad honoured the supporting and contributing entities and partners in recognition of their vital role in the championship’s success, and in establishing it as one of the most prominent sporting events in the Middle East. His Highness also presented trophies to the winners in various categories.

The championship witnessed wide participation from professionals and amateurs from around the world, and included a 1.9 km swimming race, a 90 km cycling race, and a 21.1 km running race. It also featured an IRONKIDS championship with remarkable participation from children.

Team Bahrain Victorious stood out during the championship with its remarkable performance, continuing to deliver advanced levels and excelling in both the men's and women's professional categories, reflecting its high readiness and ability to compete in the world's strongest races. The team's remarkable performance was a continuation of its successful track record and cemented its position as one of the most prominent teams on the international sports scene.

Vincent Luis of Team Bahrain Victorious took first place in the professional category, while his teammate Vasco Vilaça came in second, and Pieter Heemeryck took third place. Georgia Taylor-Brown of Team Victorious also won the women's title, with second place going to Natalie Van Coevorden (Australia) and third place to Team Victorious’s India Lee (UK). In the Gulf men's category, Hamad Al Khaldi (Kuwait) won first place, Mohammed Al Ghais (Bahrain) came second, and Mohammed Ahmed (Bahrain) came third. In the Bahraini men’s category, Mohammed Al Ghais won first place, Mohammed Ahmed won second place, and Mohammed Kazem won third place. In the Gulf and Bahraini Women’s categories, Mai Al Hajji won first place, Ruya Al Saati won second, and Lana Al Alawi won third.