THE highly-anticipated second race of the Nasser bin Hamad Marine Heritage Season, being organised by the Bahrain Inherited Traditional Sports Committee (Al Mawrooth), will take place on September 8 with the prestigious Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup up for grabs.
The opening event, the Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup, successfully concluded last Friday with numerous fans turning up to see the traditional rowing race.
Competition director Ahmed Al Shamlan hailed the success of the first race, highlighting the strong competition between participating teams.
He also underscored the enthusiasm of the fans in attendance, with many people flocking to the waters of the Khalifa Bin Salman Park to see the race.
More than 300 spectators made up of families and friends attended the race to support their loved ones, alongside others who came to cheer on the competitors and enjoy a day at the beach.
Mr Al Shamlan indicated that the organising committee will allocate a grandstand for the audience to sit in for the second race.
The race will be held over a distance of 3,000 metres, and will start in the waters off the Khalifa bin Salman Park, with the finish line situated at the National Theatre.
The Nasser bin Hamad Marine Heritage Season is one of the most prominent competitions organised by Mawrooth.
It was launched years ago to revive traditional sea sports, and with the mission to preserve the pride and heritage of traditional Bahraini sporting events.
Now in its sixth edition, the first race boasted 132 competitors with 12 teams being divided into 11 rowers each.
Traditional rowing boats are propelled by oars fitted with thwarts and the seats go from one side of the hull to the other, while also forming a part of the hull structure.
The winning team was Sumoum, followed by Eassar while team Al Adeed came third.
The 12 teams will return for the final rowing round, the coveted King Hamad Cup, which will be held towards the end of the season in October.
Other competitions featured in the season include the Ghais Al Mawrooth, where professional divers will aim to collect oysters at a depth of 15 metres without the use of modern diving equipment.
Mr Al Shamlan stated that the organising committee is in full swing to prepare for the upcoming race, and that registration is being done through the Mawrooth website, www.almawrooth.org
Meanwhile, the ninth edition of the Nasser bin Hamad Falconry and Hunting Season will make its return in November and will go on until February.
For more information on the venue and timings, visit @mawroothbh or call 66944744.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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