BAHRAINI team ‘Sumoom’ won first place in the Inherited Traditional Sports Committee’s (Mawrooth) traditional rowing race, held as part of the eighth edition of Nasser Bin Hamad Marine Heritage Season.
Led by Ahmed Al Busmait, the team earned its win after completing the 3,000-metre race in 12 hours, 55 minutes and 30 seconds (12:55:30), surpassing 18 other teams in a highly competitive atmosphere.
A total of 300 participants represented 19 teams from Bahrain and other Gulf countries – including three teams from Oman and one from the UAE – highlighting the regional significance of the event.
The boats took off from Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Park in Hidd, heading to the finishing point at the Bahrain National Museum in Manama.
Omani team ‘Al Dhahab’ completed the race in 13 hours, four minutes and 41 seconds (13:04:41) to take second place, followed by ‘Shabab Sohar’ (also from Oman) with a time of 13 hours, 10 minutes and 57 seconds (13:10:57).
This contest was one of the most prominent events of the season, given its historical and cultural significance which reflects the lives of past generations, as well as the spirit of co-operation and fair competition that characterised their seafaring journeys.
In addition to the Mawrooth race, two additional rounds will be held for the trophies of Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Shaikh Khalid Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, with all three races qualifying for His Majesty the King’s Cup for Traditional Rowing Boats, which will mark the season’s grand finale in November.
Two rounds of Al Haddaq fishing competition will also be held in the coming weeks.
The annual season is one of the most prominent competitions organised by Mawrooth aimed at reviving the kingdom’s authentic maritime heritage.
Its current edition, which is considered to be the largest yet, opened on July 27 and witnessed a record 300-plus participants of various age groups and communities from Bahrain and the GCC.
It is sponsored by His Majesty King Hamad’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs and Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS) chairman Shaikh Nasser, with the direct support of SCYS first deputy chairman, General Sports Authority chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Khalid, reflecting their interest in reviving sea values and strengthening their presence in the hearts of new generations.
Previously held contests included open swimming, underwater breath-holding, Al Nahham sea-chanting and pearl diving.
rima@gdnmedia.bh
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