A Pakistani athlete, who fell in love with Bahrain during his first visit this year, has designed a massive red-and-white flag that he hopes to unveil in the kingdom, coinciding with its 54th National Day.
Saqib Rahman has fashioned a design that is about 91.4 metres long and six metres wide (300 x 20 feet) from 120m of fabric, which he hopes to reveal on December 16.
It weighs 30kg and covers an area of 1,829sqm.
“The flag is almost ready and I am currently giving the finishing touches to it,” Mr Rahman told the GDN.
“I have been working closely with a local tailor to complete the work and am excited to return to Bahrain and dedicate this initiative to the country,” he added.
After facing an initial setback with local sponsorships, the 29-year-old chose to self-fund the initiative.
However, he is now appealing to generous sponsors to assist with ticket expenses and is urging the Pakistani diaspora in the kingdom, along with the wider local community, to support this heartfelt campaign.
“I am hopeful that I will be able to come to Bahrain. But if it doesn’t happen, I will hoist the flag in Pakistan on December 16,” he said.
The last time a giant flag of Bahrain was made was two decades ago. The kingdom unveiled a 169.5metre-long by 97.1-metre-wide design, made in China and then flown in. The big reveal was staged in a ceremony at the National Stadium in Isa Town. The flag weighed 3,200kg, required 13,500m of fabric and covered an area of 1,6458.45sqm.
The attempt earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Flashback: Mr Rahman with his bike, holding Bahrain and Pakistan flags
Mr Rahman’s initiative channels the same spirit, bringing to life his affection for Bahrain.
His latest project was preceded by his cycling expedition, which included Bahrain as one of the stops. The sportsman visited the island in March this year and was deeply moved by the warmth and generosity of the residents, especially the Pakistani community.
Spurred on by a positive experience, he paid a glorious tribute to the kingdom just five months later, by raising the red-and-white flag at the Baltoro Glacier Goro Two peak in Pakistan. He also held a portrait of His Majesty King Hamad atop the peak as a gesture of gratitude and respect. He was joined by two other fellow climbers on the expedition.
Goro Two is a camp or resting point on the Baltoro Glacier, which is the longest of its kind in Pakistan. It is situated at an elevation of approximately 4,285m (14,058 feet) and serves as a staging point for trekkers and climbers on their way to Concordia and K2 Base Camp, offering views of surrounding peaks like Masherbrum and Broad Peak. Temperatures on Baltoro Glacier vary in the morning and evening and can potentially drop to around -6C or below at higher elevations.
The flag design in progress
An avid adventurer who has completed numerous hikes and cycling trips across the Gulf, Mr Rahman says Bahrain captured his heart from the very beginning. He believes that National Day offers the perfect opportunity to express his deep affection for the kingdom.
Preparations for the occasion are already underway with lighting arrangements and flags being installed across the kingdom.
The GDN previously announced that ministries, government departments and public establishments will close on December 16 and 17, marking National Day and the anniversary of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne.
melissa@gdnmedia.bh
&uuid=(email))