MANAMA: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, representative of His Majesty for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs, has congratulated the organisers for successful the World Weightlifting Championships 2024 (WWC 2024) held in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Under the patronage of HH Shaikh Nasser, the event held from December 4 to 15th, has attracted 473 athletes from 92 countries, and the participants showcased a remarkable talent and fierce competition enthralling thousands of fans in the stadium.
The closing ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and Chairman of the General Sports Authority, as well as His Highness Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Vice President of the General Sports Authority, and His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee.
The event also welcomed Mohammed Jaloud Al Shammari, President of the International Weightlifting Federation, alongside numerous dignitaries and members of the diplomatic community.
His Highness Shaikh Khalid commended Bahrain’s successful hosting of the championship, emphasizing that this achievement underscores the Kingdom’s prominent position in organising international sports events.
HH acknowledged the significant efforts of the Bahraini Weightlifting Federation, led by His Excellency Eshaq Ebrahim Eshaq, and the organising committee, which received accolades from participating delegations. This recognition enhances Bahrain’s reputation as a distinguished sports destination.
Shaikh Khalid highlighted that hosting the World Weightlifting Championships aligns with the vision of Bahrain’s leadership to establish the Kingdom as a global sports hub.
He noted the capability of national talents to organise large-scale sporting events to the highest international standards, reflecting the professionalism and excellence that characterise Bahraini sports.
The ceremony commenced with a speech from International Weightlifting Federation president Mohammed Jaloud Al Shammari, who praised Bahrain’s exemplary organisation of the championship.
He noted that nearly 30 world records were broken during the event, celebrating Bahrain’s accomplishments as a point of pride for both the Arab world and Asia.
Eshaq also addressed attendees, lauding the championship as a milestone for weightlifting in Bahrain. He expressed gratitude to His Majesty the King for his unwavering support and acknowledged the contributions of His Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, along with thanks to HH Shaikh Nasser for his sponsorship and to Shaikh Khalid for his continued support.
The championship featured outstanding performances from elite athletes, setting new world records. In his closing remarks, Eshaq expressed heartfelt thanks to the IWF and all organisations that supported the event.
His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa awarded medals to the top three competitors in the 109+ weight category.
The ceremony also included a video presentation highlighting key moments from the championship and concluded with honors for sponsors, including C5 Company, Technogym, Nuun Official Watches, and Abduljabbar Al Kooheji Group, among others.
The IWF President also presented a commemorative gift to HH Shaikh Khalid as a token of appreciation for his support.
