Bahrain Inaugurates International Centre of Excellence for Aquatic Sports at University of Technology

TDT | Manama

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Under the patronage and in the presence of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, Chairman of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, the International Centre of Excellence for Aquatic Sports was inaugurated on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the University of Technology Bahrain.

The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Husain Al-Musallam, President of World Aquatics, along with several dignitaries, guests, and invitees.

This pioneering project marks a key milestone in Bahrain’s sports development journey — a joint initiative between World Aquatics and the Bahrain Olympic Committee, supported by the GFH Group. The centre aims to advance aquatic sports across the region, nurture young talent, and provide a world-class training environment that meets the highest international standards.

HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa expressed his pride in inaugurating the centre, emphasizing that the project embodies Bahrain’s vision to establish itself as a regional hub for sporting excellence.

“The opening of the International Centre of Excellence for Aquatic Sports represents a major step forward in developing aquatic disciplines in Bahrain and the region, providing the ideal environment for athletes from around the world,” HH Shaikh Khalid said.

He added that the centre would serve as a platform to produce future champions and a cornerstone for sustained collaboration between Bahrain and World Aquatics.

In his remarks, Mr. Husain Al-Musallam highlighted the strategic importance of launching the centre in Bahrain, saying it represents a significant milestone in World Aquatics’ global expansion strategy.

“We are proud to celebrate the launch of this model project in the Kingdom of Bahrain — a nation that has proven its capability to host and organize major continental and international sports events,” he said.
“This centre will serve as a training and development hub for athletes, coaches, and administrators from across Asia and the world, and stands as a testament to the fruitful partnership between sports institutions and the private sector.”

During the ceremony, HH Shaikh Khalid toured the facility, viewing its state-of-the-art Olympic swimming pool, training and rehabilitation halls, athletes’ quarters, and lecture rooms, praising the project’s advanced engineering and technological standards.

Dr. Hassan Al Mulla, President of the University of Technology Bahrain, described the centre as a defining moment in Bahrain’s pursuit of excellence in sports, innovation, and education.

“This vision combines technology, talent, determination, and teamwork to build a new generation of champions,” Dr. Al Mulla said. “This academic year, we welcomed our first cohort of student-athletes, and by January, 35 athletes from 31 countries across five continents will join the university to study and train in this world-class facility — a true beacon of excellence for Bahrain and beyond.”

The ceremony also featured remarks from Syrian swimming champion Omar Abbas, who shared his inspiring journey.

“Just a year ago, I fulfilled my dream of representing Syria in the men’s 200m freestyle at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Standing on that stage, hearing the cheers — it was unforgettable,” Abbas said.
“Today, standing here at this incredible International Centre of Excellence for Aquatic Sports in Bahrain, I feel that same spark of purpose. This place represents opportunity, dedication, and the future of our sport. Thank you for believing in us — for creating a space where athletes can train, learn, and dream at the same time.”