Glory for the Reds

Bahrain’s U-16 national basketball team captures the Gulf Championship title.

His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, led the celebrations as Bahrain’s U-16 national basketball team captured the Gulf Championship title.

The crowning moment came on Saturday evening, as a packed crowd at the Zain Sports Arena in Umm Al Hassam witnessed Bahrain complete a flawless run in the tournament — which also served as a qualifier for the upcoming Asian U-16 Championship in Mongolia this September.

“We congratulate our young players on this proud achievement,” said His Highness. “What we witnessed on the court reflects the potential and talent within Bahraini sports. Their performance throughout the tournament proves we’re heading in the right direction — developing a new generation capable of representing the Kingdom with excellence on the international stage.”

Bahrain went unbeaten throughout the competition, securing victory in every match — a dominant performance that earned the team its sixth Gulf title and reinforced its growing presence in regional youth basketball.

His Highness Sheikh Khalid personally awarded the championship trophy and gold medals to the players at the closing ceremony. Joining him were several dignitaries, including His Highness Sheikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Vice President of the General Sports Authority; His Highness Sheikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee; His Excellency Dr. Abdulrahman Sadiq Askar, CEO of the General Sports Authority; and Mr. Alaa Modara, President of the Bahrain Basketball Association, along with numerous sports leaders and representatives from the participating Gulf delegations.

His Highness commended the team’s fighting spirit, tactical discipline, and sharp execution across the tournament. He also praised the efforts of the coaching and administrative staff, whose work behind the scenes laid the foundation for this championship run.

He further highlighted the strategic role of the Bahrain Basketball Association in nurturing talent at all levels, especially in the youth category, calling it vital to building the future of the sport in the Kingdom.

In closing, His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa reaffirmed the continued support of both the General Sports Authority and the Bahrain Olympic Committee for all national teams and sporting programs. He emphasized the importance of sustaining this momentum through ongoing development, high-level preparation, and a collective drive to achieve greater success for Team Bahrain on the global stage.

Bahrain now looks ahead to its next big test — the Asian Championship in Mongolia this September. And if this tournament was any indication, the team is more than ready to rise to the occasion — and make their mark on the continental stage.