Bahrain Falcons defeated Bahrain Pearls 10-2 in an exciting final on the second day of the Bahrain Netball 40th Anniversary Tournament held at the Bahrain Rugby Football Club (BRFC) yesterday.
The Falcons topped the five-team field on Friday by winning all four of their league matches, and continued their good form into the final day of the tournament by defeating Bahrain Gems 18-5 in the first semi-final game. In the final, they scored against Perls with a short attack and lifted the glorious trophy.
The Pearls finished the first day in second place by winning three of their four matches, and advanced to the finals by defeating Saudi Netball, the only non-Bahraini team in the tournament, 14-6 in the second semi-final.
An enthusiastic crowd filled the main stand of the netball court, cheering on the team while sweating in the hot weather.
The tournament was held to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Bahrain Netball (BN). Earlier this month, BN acquired the Bahrain Tennis Federation (BTF), taking the first step toward receiving official recognition from the government.
Saudi Netball, one of the world’s newest netball federations, was specially invited to the event, with its president, Princess Ghada bint Abdullah Al Saud, flying specially to Bahrain for the tournament. .
“This is my first time participating in a netball event in Bahrain and it was a great experience for me and my daughters,” Princess Ghada told GDN in an exclusive interview after the awards ceremony.
“This is our first tournament outside of Saudi Arabia. We really enjoyed this experience and learned a lot. We wish Bahrain Netball all the best as it celebrates its 40th anniversary.
“We started Saudi Netball in 2021, so it has been almost two years and we are now introducing the sport to schools and universities. They are playing ball, and that number is going to increase exponentially over time.”
The Saudi netball team that participated in the BN 40th Anniversary Tournament was made up almost entirely of foreigners, as were the four Bahrain teams, but interest in the sport is diversifying in Saudi Arabia. Princess Ghada said it was highly likely. change.
“Next time we come here, our team will be made up entirely of Saudi players,” she said.
Meanwhile, BN President Kruid Sabaha, who received the championship trophy from General Sports Authority (GSA) Sports Advisor Hassen Ikulev, who is also the captain of the Falcons, said that he was really proud of all the teams that participated GDN told.
“I’m really proud of all the teams that competed,” she said.
“This tournament turned out to be great for the crowd. I’m really grateful to our core crew, the BN Executive Committee and BRFC. I think we pulled it off well together and it was truly phenomenal.”
Tournament Director Joe Reid, who has been a member of Bahrain Netball since moving from England to Bahrain Netball in 1984, told GDN that the enthusiastic support from the crowd added to the festive feel of the tournament. Ta.
“The fans really create a great atmosphere and create a good atmosphere for the players,” she said.
“The results were great for Bahrain Netball: 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th place (Bahrain Gazelle). This is indicative of everyone’s dedication and two truly great days of netball. think.
“Netball is a great team sport and you learn so much from team sports. Netball has given me so much over the years so it was great to give something back. It’s an honor to be able to do it. I’m glad all the young kids did their best. For many of them, this is their first tournament and I hope it continues for a long time.
“And it was great that Saudi Netball was able to participate in the tournament. This time it was a return visit. We are looking forward to watching their netball journey and supporting them in any way we can.”
Final ranking –
Champion: Bahrain Falcons. Runner-up: Bahrain Pearls. 3rd place: Bahrain Gems. 4th place: Saudi Netball. 5th place: Bahrain Gazelle