NETBALL – THE Bahrain national netball squad, known as the Bahrain Pearls, have embarked on an exciting journey to Bengaluru, India, to participate in the 13th Asian Netball Championship from tomorrow to October 27.
This marks the team’s inaugural appearance on the international stage, a significant milestone for Bahraini netball.
The Pearls, captained by Stacey Clarke and vice-captained by Claire Van Minnen and Amani Al Asfoor, feature a talented roster that includes Danet Leite, Khulood Sabah, Sara Kerr, Alexandra Lee, Martine Timmer-Arends, Verity Ball, Jeannine Wessels, and Monique Juter.
The team will compete against 13 other nations in the championship, placed in Pool B alongside formidable teams such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Brunei, Iraq, Thailand, and Chinese Taipei.
Their first match is scheduled for Saturday against Chinese Taipei.
Fans can catch all the matches live streamed on the Indian Netball Federation’s YouTube channel @netballfederationofindia, and updates will be available on the Bahrain Netball Instagram page @Bahrain_Netball.
Head coach Maggie Testola expressed confidence in the team’s preparations, stating: “Our training sessions have been intensive and focused, and I believe the players are fully ready to showcase their skills on this new stage.”
Assistant coach Joanna Reed echoed this sentiment, sharing her pride in leading the first Bahrain national netball team to this competition. “I am incredibly proud of what this team has accomplished together,” she said. “Their hard work and dedication have brought us to this exciting moment.”
Bahrain Netball director and team member Sabah expressed her excitement about this historic moment. “It has been a long-held dream to put Bahrain netball on the international map,” she said. “I hope this championship will be the first of many participations for the kingdom in the future.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the General Sports Authority and the Bahrain Olympic Committee for their unwavering support on this journey.
“The Pearls are proud to represent their country and are eager to showcase their talent and determination on this international platform.”
The Pearls extended their gratitude to sponsors Inspired, NHSC, Vitol, and GAC for their invaluable support.
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