THE “Isa bin Rashid…Highlights and Memories from the Football Gulf Cup” book was launched yesterday at the Sofitel Hotel under the patronage of Representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, chairman of Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and president of Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
The launch saw a big turnout headed by honourary president of BOC Shaikh Isa bin Rashid Al Khalifa, His Majesty The King’s advisor for sport affairs Saleh bin Hindi, Youth and Sports Affairs Minister Hesham Al Jowder, Governor of Southern Governorate Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa, BOC general secretary Abdulraham Askar, chairman of Bahrain Journalists Association Moanes Al Mardi, several MPs, Ambassadors, and representatives from Bahrain-based GCC-state embassies, including Iraqi and Yemeni Ambassadors to Bahrain.
During the event, Shaikh Nasser stressed that Shaikh Isa bin Rashid Al Khalifa is a prominent sporting symbol in the Arabian Gulf region, and deserves great appreciation worth his stature in recognition of his long-lasting efforts which contributed in the establishment of the Gulf Cup.
Shaikh Nasser pointed out the large role played by Shaikh Isa bin Rashid in supporting and encouraging football in the Arabian Gulf region and making the Gulf Cup among the greatest sporting events regionally.
“The successes achieved by the Gulf Cup is due to the sincere efforts made by Shaikh Isa bin Rashid and his compatriots from the other Gulf states,” Shaikh Nasser highlighted.
Important
“It’s very important for us to preserve the contributions of Shaikh Isa bin Rashid. He is a great example we must follow to develop our sports,” Shaikh Nasser added.
During his speech, Shaikh Isa expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to Shaikh Nasser for his directives in issuing the book. He also thanked the editorial family that contributed to this publication seeing the light of day.
Shaikh Isa fired up the audience’s excitement when he related funny stories about the Gulf Cup tournaments.
He revealed many important secrets which had a significant impact on the history of the competition and dedicated the book to the GCC sports family.
The book was supervised by manager of the Media and Information Office of Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Tawfiq Al Salehi, with an editing committee that included Mahmoud Bahrain and Walid Almoauda.
The first chapter presents several speeches by the leadership and the most prominent sports leaders in the Kingdom. The second chapter features memories and incidents surrounding Shaikh Isa bin Rashid and the Gulf Cup while the third focuses on the relationship between Shaikh Rashid and Prince Faisal bin Fahad and the martyr Fahad Al Ahmad.
The fourth chapter carries pictures of the competition down the years while the fifth and final chapter is a biography of Shaikh Isa bin Rashid.