Bahrain recently made history at the 2024 International School Sport Federation (ISF) Gymnasiade by securing a total of 42 medals, including 10 gold, 12 silver, and 20 bronze. The kingdom’s young athletes exceeded expectations across various disciplines, showcasing their talent and skill on the international stage. The final day of competition saw Bahraini athletes adding nine more medals to their impressive tally, with standout performances in athletics, taekwondo, boxing, and adaptive sports.
In athletics, the girls’ medley relay team clinched gold, while individual athletes like Alaa Samuel and Aisha Abdullah secured silver and bronze respectively in the 200m races. The taekwondo team concluded their campaign with Yousif Redha winning gold in the under-73 kg category, and Hadi Ghuloum and Wesal Al-Ammar claiming bronze medals. The boxing arena witnessed stellar performances from Mohamed Sahak, Sophia Mosa, and others, highlighting the depth of talent in Bahraini boxing.
Bahrain’s commitment to inclusive sports was evident with Ahmed Nader’s silver in the wheelchair race and Zainab Ali Salman’s bronze in Paralympic badminton singles. The kingdom’s success in these adaptive sports categories showcases its dedication to providing opportunities for athletes of all abilities. The 3×3 basketball tournament also featured thrilling matches, with Brazil and Slovenia emerging as champions in the men’s and women’s finals respectively.
The success at the ISF Gymnasiade represents a significant moment for Bahraini sports, setting a new benchmark for excellence and laying a solid foundation for the future. The organizing committee, led by Firas Al-Halwaji, expressed pride in the athletes and the event’s success, attributing it to the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the leadership’s support. The legacy of this event is expected to inspire future generations of Bahraini athletes to strive for greatness on the global stage.
As the athletes return home, they bring back not just medals but invaluable experience that will benefit them in future international competitions. Bahrain has proven itself as a capable host and a rising power in international youth sports. The future of Bahraini athletics looks promising, with these young stars leading the way and paving the path for continued success in the years to come.
