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The Shaikh Khalid Bin Hamad Al Khalifa Pearl Diving Competition kicks off today as part of the eighth edition of the Nasser bin Hamad Marine Heritage Season.
The contest will be held at the Heyr Shatia marine area north of Muharraq, with the participation of nearly 100 divers who have gathered to revive one of the most ancient sports associated with Bahrain’s maritime history and rich national heritage.
It will be held under the patronage of His Majesty’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the support of SUPREME Council for Youth and Sport first deputy chairman, General Sports Authority chairman, and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
“The pearl diving competition is not just a race to the depths of the sea,” said the competition’s organising committee head Ahmed Al Hajri.
“Through it, we aim to revive the legacy of our ancestors and educate new generations about the significance of pearls, which were once a source of pride and livelihood for the people of Bahrain.
“We also strive to ensure that participants and spectators alike experience the authenticity of this craft and we hope the competition fosters greater awareness of the importance of preserving our marine heritage.”
Collected oysters will be carefully sorted and weighed under the supervision of a specialised judging panel called the ‘Tawawish’.
The pearls are judged according to a number of factors, from weight to lustre and colour.
The top 10 contestants who collect the best pearls from within the oysters will be declared as winners.
The annual Nasser Bin Hamad Marine Heritage Season is one of the most prominent competitions organised by the Bahrain Inherited Traditional Sports Committee (Mawrooth).
The latest edition of the season runs until mid-November, and it includes multiple competitions aiming to revive Bahrain’s marine heritage, which has long been renowned and established the kingdom as an important regional centre for pearl diving.
It is a unique annual platform dedicated to reviving Bahrain’s authentic maritime traditions by offering competitive and educational programmes targeting young people and adolescents.
In addition to the oyster competition, the season includes a number of events, including traditional rowing races, an open water swimming competition and a fishing competition titled ‘Haddaq’.
The season kicked off on July 27 with the Open Water Swimming Competition at Bahrain Bay.
Mohammed Abdulaziz Al Dosari and Bader Jassim were the winners of the competition.
rima@gdnmedia.bh
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