Yavi and Balew Lead Bahrain to Cross-Country Gold

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain delivered a standout performance on Sunday at the 60th CISM World Military Cross-Country Championships in Trikala, Greece, claiming a golden double against elite international competition.

Paris 2024 Olympic gold-medallist Winfred Yavi continued her remarkable start to the season, following up her recent victory at the Cross di Alà dei Sardi in Italy with a dominant run to the women’s 8km title. Yavi crossed the line in 25:43, leading compatriot Violah Jepchumba Motosio to complete a Bahrain one-two, while France’s Mekdes Woldu Alazar took bronze. Shitaye Eshete finished fifth and Bontu Rebitu 29th, rounding out Bahrain’s strong showing in a field of nearly 80 competitors. Yavi’s performance further cements her place as one of the world’s top steeplechasers, with her sights now set on the Asian Games in Nagoya later this year.

On the men’s side, reigning Asian Games champion Birhanu Balew produced a thrilling finish to claim the 10km crown, edging Algeria’s Ramdane Ouarghi by just two seconds with a time of 28:21. Morocco’s Mustapha Akkaoui completed the podium, while Bahrain’s Albert Rop and Dawit Fikadu placed sixth and 13th respectively. Abraham Cheroben was among three athletes who did not finish in the 128-runner field.

Bahrain capped the championships with bronze in the mixed 4x2km relay. Nelly Jepkosgei Korir, Abdulkani Hamid, Tigest Mekonen, and Abdulsamad Hirsi combined for a time of 23:41, finishing behind gold-medallists Ethiopia and silver-medal winners Morocco.

The results highlight Bahrain’s growing strength in cross-country, with both individual brilliance and team depth on full display at this prestigious international military competition.