His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa patronized the closing ceremony of HM the King’s Military Cross Country Championship (4KM), the annual Shooting Contest and the Tug-of-War Championship, in addition to Free Parachuting Contest, which is part of the 51st Bahrain Defense Force celebrations.
HM the King was welcomed on arrival by the BDF Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, HH National Guard Commander General Sheikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, Defense Affairs Minister Lt-General Yussef bin Ahmed Al-Jalahma, Chief of Staff Dheyab bin Saqr Al-Nuaimi, and senior BDF officers.
HM the King was accompanied by Royal Guard Commander Major-General HH Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa and the Royal Court Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.
After playing the National Anthem and reciting verses of the holy Quran, Director of Military Sports, Brigadier Mohammed bin Jalal, gave a speech, in which congratulated HM the King on the BDF’s 51st anniversary. He took pride in the great achievements made by the BDF personnel. He highlighted the track and field accomplishments in Jakarta as the BDF athletes bagged 12 Gold Medals thanks to the support of HH Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
He pointed out the 10 Gold Medals won by the military Judo in the Arab Judo Championship held in Morocco, in addition to the qualification of a national athlete to the World Hurdle Jumping in the USA.
He expressed utmost appreciation to HM the King for attending the closing ceremony and to the BDF Commander-in-chief for his support to the athletes and sport, wishing the Kingdom of Bahrain bring more achievements under the prosperous era of HM the King.
At the conclusion of the event, HM the King distributed trophies to the winning teams.
HM the King expressed admiration for the outstanding levels and remarkable skills that reflected the athlete's competence, fitness and keenness to achieve successes. He paid tribute to the BDF brave personnel to take on their responsibilities in defending the homeland’s sovereignty, unity and national gains and achievements.
HM the King praised the BDF’s sport accomplishments made at regional and international levels and congratulated the winners on the good results, wishing them more successes to come.
