CELEBRATIONS continued across Bahrain yesterday, as messages of congratulations poured in from senior officials, legislators and the public.
Bahrain secured the Gulf Cup for the first time since the tournament was founded in the kingdom in 1970, bringing joy and unity to its people throughout Sunday night with Bahrainis and expatriates alike celebrating the historic achievement.
Historic
Celebrations continued all over the kingdom yesterday as people flooded the streets wearing jerseys, carrying flags, and joyfully chanting as the high of Sunday’s historic win persevered with fans lining up at Bahrain International Airport (BIA) to welcome their heroes.
Thousands of people joined a nearly 40-km parade from the airport until Bahrain International Circuit, where a series of celebratory activities were lined up.
Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, representative of His Majesty King Hamad for charity work and youth affairs, National Security Adviser and chairman of the Supreme Council of Youth and Sport, was among the first to congratulate the team’s historic achievement.
“The realisation of the Gulf dream is a historic achievement that was witnessed in the prosperous era of His Majesty King Hamad, who provided unlimited support to Bahraini sport and in particular football,” he said.
“This long-awaited achievement is a distinguished mark to be added to the series of achievements of the national team, adding much to Bahraini football and empowering it towards achieving more dreams and championships.
“There are heroes that we must thank and praise for the high levels they portrayed throughout the championship, enabling them to overcome difficulties and turning them into advantages striving to achieve the dream and historical coronation as Gulf champions.”
Supreme Council for Youth and Sport first deputy chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa also expressed great pride in this historic victory.
“We are extremely proud of this historic victory which is a direct outcome of the unlimited support sports receives from His Majesty King Hamad, which has contributed to accomplishing many achievements at a regional, continental and international level,” he said.
Bahrain Football Association (BFA) president Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa hailed the performance displayed by the Bahraini team throughout the tournament, adding that this monumental national achievement occurred during “the golden era of Bahraini sports”.
“The national team players presented a distinguished performance and high spirits throughout the championship whose foundation has been the immense support from Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa,” he said.
“Shaikh Nasser’s support is the great incentive for all members of the national team and the Bahraini football family towards exerting more effort and multiplying efforts to raise the kingdom’s flag in all fields.”
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president and first deputy president of Fifa Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, who was present at the historic match in Qatar, highlighted the achievement as the fruitful outcome of the King’s generous support to sports in the kingdom.
Dream
“The BFA has exerted exceptional efforts in preparing the national team to participate in the tournament and I’m proud of the great technical levels displayed by the stars of the national team and their dedication in representing the kingdom in the best possible way,” he said.
In a statement marking the achievement, Youth and Sports Affairs Minister Ayman Almoayyed also highlighted the win as a long-awaited dream.
“Bahrain’s heroes didn’t disappoint their country and surpassed all the teams they faced in the tournament and dedicated their efforts and abilities towards achieving this long-awaited dream, bringing joy into the hearts of every Bahraini who has been waiting for this cup,” he said.
Meanwhile, Parliament chairwoman Fouzia Zainal said Sunday’s historic win was a fruitful result of the continuous royal support and care towards Bahrain’s youth and sports.
Her sentiments were shared by Shura Council chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh, who stressed that this embodied His Majesty King Hamad and the leadership’s dedication and support to the sports and youth movement in the country.
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