Barcelona, July 15 (BNA): His Majesty the King’s Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, yesterday made history in Spain by winning the 120km race of the Spain International Endurance Championship with a new time record as the Royal Endurance Team swept all the podium places.

The achievement adds to accomplishments by the Bahrainis who also won the 160km race. Othman Al Awadhi came second in the 120km race, while teammate Mohammed Abdulhameed Al Hashemi was third, Gulf Daily News (GDN) reported.

Shaikh Nasser set a new record after clocking six hours, 19 minutes and 35 seconds, one second ahead of Al Awadhi and two seconds ahead of Al Hashemi.

Shaikh Nasser managed to fend off competitions from Spanish and Uruguayan jockeys en route to winning the event.

His Majesty sent a cable of congratulations to Shaikh Nasser, expressing pride in the landmark achievement.

Speaking after the race, Shaikh Nasser hailed the support to sports by His Majesty as well as His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince Prime Minister, which has helped the Royal Endurance Team achieve top honours.

Shaikh Nasser also received a phone call from Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on the occasion. Shaikh Mohammed expressed his congratulations to Shaikh Nasser for the great achievement.

“We had a specific plan for this competition. It was well-studied and this has allowed the team to dominate the competitions. It was a bold plan,” Shaikh Nasser said.

“We are very happy with this well-earned victory. The team is back to dominate European competitions, especially in Spain, where it always witnesses fierce competitions with the presence of world-class jockeys,” he added.

Shaikh Nasser applauded Al Awadhi and Al Hashemi for their performances and also praised Isa Al Sendi for winning the 100km race. Al Sendi completed the race in 5 hours, 9 minutes and 11 seconds.

Bahrain’s non-resident Ambassador to Spain Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa attended the race to support Shaikh Nasser.

Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS) first deputy chairman, General Sports Authority chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa congratulated Shaikh Nasser for the Royal Team’s achievements.

SCYS secretary-general Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Bahrain Football Association president Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and Supreme Council for Environment vice-chairman and SCYS member Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa also congratulated Shaikh Nasser.

WHQ