BOXING – FIGHTERS from Bahrain and across the region put on an exciting show in front of a huge and enthusiastic crowd last night in the GCC Boxing Open Air Event at Dilmun Club in Saar.
Close to 30 bouts were held, showcasing the prowess of boxers of different ages and skill levels in various weight divisions. They battled in the schools categories for girls and boys, and in the youth, junior, and elite classes for women and men.
More than 20 participants were flying the kingdom’s flag at home, including members of Bahrain’s national team and others representing top local gyms.
The fight night had a special focus on giving a platform for the Gulf’s young boxers to shine – an initiative that remains close to the heart of Bahrain Boxing Federation (BBF) technical director and the kingdom’s head coach Tony Davis.
“It’s a fantastic event and it’s the closest thing we’re going to get to a competition I invented a few years ago called ‘Triple G’, which stands for Gulf Golden Gloves,” Davis told the GDN.
“We’ve had a record number of entries of around 160 participants from all around the Gulf.
“This is a friendly sporting occasion and everyone here – whether they win or lose – comes out and has an enjoyable time. It’s a great experience for the young boxers, and that’s the most important thing for me – having the kids in there.
“It’s all about the boxers – it always has been and always will be for me.”
Two of the kingdom’s fighters last night, namely Abdulrahman Mudahki and Mohammed Attia, will be representing Bahrain in the boxing competition at the upcoming third Asian Youth Games, set to take place this October 22 to 31 under the royal patronage of His Majesty King Hamad.
They – along with a number of other fighters from Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia – were able to get some work in at yesterday’s GCC Boxing Open Air Event as they step up their final preparations for the continental showcase.
“It was a bit strategic when I scheduled this event a few weeks out from the Asian Youth Games,” explained Davis. “Not only does it give our boxers an opportunity to showcase their skills before that event, but it also gives other kids from around the Gulf the chance.
“Bahrain has therefore given them a platform to showcase their skills and give them that little bit of preparation before they compete on the bigger stage.”
Abdulrahman expressed his delight in getting to compete last night, especially after claiming a victory against Rayan Altayyar from Saudi in their junior men’s 51kg match-up.
“It was a good fight – my opponent focused on attacking me inside, so I just countered with my footwork, but he was a good opponent and I’m happy to win,” said 16-year-old Abdulrahman, who was fighting out of Aldoy International Sports and Martial Arts Centre.
“Thanks to my coach for getting me ready. Inshallah, I will do well in the Asian Youth Games – it will be a good experience, but I also want to win and I will give my best.”
Meanwhile, yesterday’s event was also meaningful for 14-year-old Selene Bastaki and 13-year-old Noah Iyer, both of whom were fighting out of Round One Boxing Bahrain.
Selene and Noah were making their boxing debuts in a competitive setting, and both were victorious – with Selene defeating Layla Al Ali in their school girls’ 60kg bout and Noah beating Dawood Alshammari from Saudi in their school boys’ 60kg contest.
“I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity to do what I love the most,” Selene told the GDN.
“This was my first fight, and it’s just the beginning of a very long journey. I’m extremely grateful for this experience.”
Added Noah: “It’s nice to be able to compete, because, in the gym, everyone is trying to be safe a little bit, but here you get to see what you can really do. You also don’t know who you are fighting until you get into the ring, so it’s great to be here and to get a win.”
At the third Asian Youth Games, boxing is one of the 26 sports that will be held across the multi-day mega event.
The kingdom will be welcoming more than 4,300 athletes representing 45 National Olympic Committees from across the continent, making for a massive and historic occasion.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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