Manama: Al Fakhar were crowned champions last night of the First Nasser bin Hamad Ramadan Sports Games and eighth Ramadan Football Championship (Nasser 8).
His Majesty the King’s Representative for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee President Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa deputised Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the son of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, to award the winners and runners-up.
The championship concluded at Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town with the final match between Al Fakhar and Batelco Gunners United.
Al Fakhar clinched the title in a penalty shootout 3-1 after the original time of the match ended goalless.
Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa handed over Nasser 8 Cup to Al Fakhar, medals to Batelco Gunners United and awarded the refereeing team that managed the final game.
On the occasion, Shaikh Nasser asserted that the success of the championship was the outcome of joint efforts and cooperation of the organising committees, sponsors and players, adding that they contributed in achieving the noble goals of the championship.
He said the eighth version of the championship was successful on all aspects, highlighting the new group sports included this year, such as basketball, volleyball and handball.
Shaikh Nasser appreciated the support of sponsoring companies, reflecting their keenness to support Bahraini youth and sports movement.
Meanwhile, Shaikh Nasser deputised Hisham bin Mohammed Al Jowder, Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs to award the winners of the football academies juniors tournament in the First Nasser bin Hamad Ramadan Sports Games and Nasser 8 at Khalifa Sports City.
Al Jowder handed over the tournament’s cup to winners Kickoff team and medals to runners-up Arsenal. He honoured the best player, best goalie, top scorer and the refereeing team of the contest.
Kickoff qualified for the final after winning against Discovery team in the semi-final with four clean goals.
Shaikh Nasser stressed on the importance of developing and improving juniors’ sports, adding that they’re the future of local sports.
Shaikh Nasser appreciated the role of football academies in producing fresh and young football talents, which would benefit Bahrain National Football Team and local clubs in the near future.
Shaikh Nasser also praised Viva Bahrain for sponsoring the first edition of the tournament.