A Golden Year for Bahrain Sports
TDT | Manama
Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com
From continental football glory to hosting Asia’s biggest multi-sport events and world-class motorsport, 2025 was a year Bahrain will not soon forget. It was a year of triumphs, festivals, and moments that brought the Kingdom to the centre of the global sporting stage.
National Team Success
The year began with a familiar thrill for Bahraini football fans. On 4 January, memories of the golden 2019 campaign came rushing back as Bahrain lifted the 26th Arabian Gulf Cup, defeating Oman 2–1 in a closely contested final. The national team’s success reignited celebrations across the Kingdom and set the tone for a year defined by ambition and excellence.
Formula 1 in Sakhir
By April, the roar of engines took over. The Bahrain Grand Prix, held at the Bahrain International Circuit - a staple on the F1 calendar since 2004 - delivered drama and speed under the desert lights. Oscar Piastri claimed victory for McLaren, with teammate Lando Norris crossing the line third and George Russell of Mercedes taking second.
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa presented the trophy, praising McLaren’s win as a reflection of Team Bahrain’s dedication and excellence. The race showcased the Kingdom’s skill in hosting world-class motorsport, boosted tourism, and highlighted Bahrain’s growing global sporting presence. McLaren would go on to secure the Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship, completing a historic double and cementing Bahrain’s status as a home for elite motorsport.
Basketball Brilliance
As engines cooled, attention turned to indoor arenas. Muharraq Club dominated domestic basketball, thrilling fans with a dramatic Game 5 in the Zain Bahrain Basketball League Finals on 15 June, edging Al Ahli 80–76. The club’s dominance continued with a Khalifa bin Salman Basketball Cup win, completing a celebrated double.
Bahrain also welcomed the Arab Basketball Championship, drawing top regional teams and cementing the Kingdom’s reputation as a hub for competitive basketball. Muharraq’s simultaneous success in football and basketball showcased a rare level of multi-sport excellence.
Football Supremacy
Muharraq carried that momentum onto the pitch, dismantling Manama 6–1 on 18 May to claim the Nasser bin Hamad Premier League title. Their consistent excellence across sports highlighted both club ambition and the depth of talent in Bahraini football.
3rd Asian Youth Games
The momentum continued in October, when Bahrain successfully hosted the 3rd Asian Youth Games (BAYG 2025). Officials hailed it as a landmark event, particularly because it was delivered in record time - just over ten months from planning to execution - an achievement rarely seen for events of this scale, which usually take years to prepare for.
Over 4,000 athletes from 45 nations participated, and the Games were held at world-class venues including Exhibition World Bahrain and Isa Sports City. Under the motto “Inspire Dreams, Build a Legacy,” the event showcased Bahrain’s commitment to youth and women’s sports, earning praise for excellent organization and sportsmanship. As the Kingdom’s first time hosting the Asian Youth Games, the successful delivery reinforced Bahrain’s reputation as a leading sports destination capable of staging major international competitions in record time.
Endurance Racing
In November, the Bahrain International Circuit hosted the Bapco Energies 8 Hours of Bahrain, the season finale of the FIA World Endurance Championship from 6–8 November. Hypercars and LMGT3 machines raced from day into night under BIC’s floodlights, delivering intense battles that decided championship titles.
The main race on 8 November crowned world champions, while supporting events like the Porsche Carrera Cup Middle East added to the festival atmosphere, drawing record crowds. Since its inaugural run in 2012, the Bahrain endurance race has grown into a marquee event, complementing the excitement of Formula 1 and cementing the Kingdom’s reputation as a premier motorsport destination.
Golf
Bahrain also made its mark on the fairways. The Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship, held 30 January – 2 February at the Royal Golf Club, saw England’s Laurie Canter claim victory in a dramatic three-man playoff. Free general admission and premium options allowed families and fans to enjoy world-class golf alongside a festive atmosphere.
Building on this success, the 2026 Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship is set to return from 29 January – 1 February, promising another showcase of elite competition and community engagement.
Community and Sporting Initiatives
Sport in Bahrain is about more than elite competition. Bahrain Sports Day, held on 17 February, brought communities together with activities promoting health and fitness. A charity football match featuring legends like John Terry and Roberto Carlos combined entertainment, sport, and social engagement, linking grassroots participation to national achievement.
FIBA 3x3 Final
Later in the year, Manama hosted the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Final, delivering fast-paced basketball action and packed stands. High-energy games, global stars, and an electric atmosphere turned the capital into a celebration of urban sport, reinforcing Bahrain’s reputation as a versatile international host.
A Year to Remember
From lifting the Arabian Gulf Cup in January to hosting the Asian Youth Games in October, 2025 was a year of triumph, ambition, and global impact.
It was also a year of national pride, community engagement, and countless memorable moments across every corner of the sporting calendar. As the final whistle blew on a remarkable year, one message was clear: Bahrain did not simply host sport in 2025, it shaped it.
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