His Majesty King Hamad expressed Bahrain’s pride in hosting the third Asian Youth Games, which officially opened in a glittering ceremony held at Exhibition World Bahrain last night.
It is a platform that builds bridges of friendship and communication among young athletes, the King said when he received guests and heads of delegations participating in the Games.
The King’s Personal Representative Shaikh Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa was present at the audience.
His Majesty emphasised the role of sports in fostering cultural exchange and promoting values of tolerance, coexistence and mutual respect among youth.
The real achievement lies in bringing together Asia’s youth to compete in a spirit of friendship and fair play, he said.
The mega multi-sport event is being held under the royal patronage of His Majesty.
It is the biggest sporting occasion ever held in the kingdom, featuring more than 4,300 athletes, both boys and girls aged 14 to 18 years old, representing 45 National Olympic Committees from across the continent.
They are vying for nearly 2,000 medals in 26 sports.
Amongst those in attendance at the opening ceremony were His Majesty’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs and Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS) chairman Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and SCYS deputy chairman, General Sports Authority chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
A stunning and colourful dramatisation of Bahrain’s rich culture and history also took place, followed by the traditional parade of delegations.
Carrying the kingdom’s flag and leading the Bahraini squad in the procession were triathlete Lulwa Al Doseri and mixed martial artist Abdulla Qahtan.
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