Written by Captain Mahmoud Al Mahmoud
Bahrain’s brilliant success at the Asian Games has given our country a place of pride among the unity of the world’s nations.
Success in these sporting events is about more than just the number of medals. Our country won an amazing 10 gold medals, 2 silver medals and 6 bronze medals, and the performance of our athletes helped us to top the Arab nations in this year’s prestigious competition.
What is important is that we consistently maintain sporting excellence.
We are firmly building on the initial success of Crown Prince Salman’s introduction of F1 to the region 20 years ago, and we are proud to be able to build on the initial success of Crown Prince Salman’s efforts to bring F1 to the region, and to thank none other than Their Royal Highnesses Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad and Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad. led by others to victory in equestrian and endurance sports, and the rise of Bahrain. As a base for boxing tournaments.
Even the most ignorant and unathletic among us are invested in the success of this country’s sport in some way.
That’s because sporting excellence represents a country’s collective values.
It embodies the quest for excellence, a commitment to discipline and healthy living, and the athlete’s drive to push the boundaries of human endeavor and set new standards for future generations.
Sports is also a multi-million dollar business.
Although there are many aspects, sports tourism is one that Bahrain needs to foster given the excellence shown at the 2023 Asian Games.
Our large number of medals also opens the door to meaningful sports diplomacy. We can invite teams from other countries to play “friendly matches” with us.
It will foster understanding and brother-sister bonding.
Pursuing athletic excellence can also help close the physical fitness gap between men and women. It would be an act of confidence on a national scale, as Bahraini women also excel in the field of sports.
With the holy grail of all sports, the 2024 Olympics (held in July 2024), we have a great opportunity to flex our sporting muscles.
Captain Mahmoud Al Mahmoud is editor-in-chief of the Daily Tribune and chairman of the Relief, Human Rights and Counter-Terrorism Organization of the Organization of Arab and African Unity.