Falcons fly today

Under the Patronage of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee, and in cooperation with Nasser Bin Hamad Foundation, Bahrain Tournament for Falcon and Hunting begins today in the Al Sabkha area, opposite to Bahrain International Endurance Village.

Shaikh Nasser approved the contests that will run till February 13 for different categories for falcons, a traditional one kilometre Arabian horse race, Saluki dogs hunting contest for one kilometre and a shooting competition for contestants aged between 7 – 13 years.

The event will continue for five weeks, with the first week featuring competitions of HH Shaikh Faisal bin Khalid Al Khalifa Cup, HH Shaikh Hamad bin Nasser Al Khalifa Cup, HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Nasser Cup and HH Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalid Al Khalifa Cup for falconry.  The first week competition is today, tomorrow and Saturday, and also includes a traditional Arabian horse race and Saluki dogs hunting competition.

The second week, from January 14 to 16, includes the same competitions and the third, between January 28 and 30, has been allocated for participants from the GCC.

Fourth week action takes place from February 4 to 6.

The fifth and final week contests from February 11 to 13, concludes the championship.

Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, President of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) lauded the efforts and initiatives of Shaikh Nasser to promote and preserve traditional sports and maintain the traditions of the people’s of the GCC.

The Supreme Organising Committee also announced that all preparations have been completed. The events will be televised by Bahrain Sports Channel and Al Sahraa Channel and an analytic studio, and would be aired live on Bahrain News Agency website.