Bahrain celebrated its annual National Sports Day yesterday, with ministries, government bodies, legislative authorities, schools, and private-sector institutions hosting a variety of activities aimed at promoting fitness, wellbeing, and healthy lifestyles.
The Industry and Commerce Ministry organised a series of activities at the Bahrain Financial Harbour, with the participation of Minister Abdulla Fakhro, senior officials, invited guests, and ministry employees. The initiative was held in line with a Cabinet directive calling on all government entities to dedicate the day to sports and physical activities.
The minister said the event reflected its commitment to embedding sport as a daily lifestyle choice and a core element of community culture, while raising awareness of the positive impact of physical activity on public health.
A strong turnout was reported from ministry staff, who took part in a variety of sports and recreational activities, in addition to benefiting from on-site medical check-ups and health awareness programmes.
Organisers said the mix of physical exercise and preventive health services aimed to strengthen awareness of personal wellbeing and reinforce the importance of caring for both physical and mental health in the workplace and in society at large.
Meanwhile, the Labour and Legal Affairs Ministry organised a diverse programme of sports and health activities at its headquarters in Zayed Town.
The programme included medical screenings, physical and mental activities, and awareness initiatives highlighting the importance of fitness and safety at work.
Minister Yousif Khalaf stressed the importance of investing in people, improving quality of life and promoting a culture of physical activity that contributes to better public health and higher workplace productivity. He also noted that Bahrain’s growing status in the sports sector was underscored by its selection as the Arab Capital of Sports Culture for 2026, a recognition that reflects the kingdom’s long-term commitment to sport as a pillar of social development.
Across the country, the atmosphere was festive and inclusive, with ministries, government agencies, Parliament, the Shura Council, municipal councils, the Capital Trustees Board, state-owned companies, private businesses and schools hosting their own activities yesterday.
Shura Council Chairman Ali Saleh Al Saleh described Bahrain Sports Day as one of the kingdom’s most important national events for enhancing health awareness and encouraging behaviours that support the advancement of public health.
He praised the support and patronage of His Majesty King Hamad, noting that the King’s directives have played a central role in reinforcing the importance of sport as an integral part of daily life and social culture.
Mr Al Saleh also commended the efforts of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for launching programmes and initiatives that promote sport as a way of life. He said these efforts have helped entrench the concept of ‘Team Bahrain’, a unified national spirit that drives achievement and creativity across all sectors.
In addition, he expressed appreciation for the role of Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the King’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs and Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Chairman, and Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, SCYS First Deputy Chairman and President of the General Sports Authority and Bahrain Olympic Committee, for their continuous support of the sports movement.
Labour Minister Osama Al Alawi, Chief of Public Security Lt-General Tariq Al Hassan, Alba chief executive Ali Al Baqali and National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa also highlighted the importance of the day.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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