Bahrain Boxing’s “Cinderella Story”

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

At 25, Sami Nabeel Al Adsani’s call-up to the Bahrain Boxing National Team comes at a moment of growing ambition for the sport in the kingdom. As Bahrain builds its boxing pathway, athletes like him are part of a generation hoping to carry the nation onto the international stage.

In an exclusive sit-down with TDT, Al Adsani reflected on his role in the national setup, the impact of new leadership, and the opportunities emerging for Bahraini fighters.

National Team Breakthrough

“It’s fantastic to be part of this team right now,” Sami said. “It’s full of talented and enthusiastic boxers and will continue to grow in the long term.”

Though still developing, the national team’s direction is clear. With increased structure and investment, Bahrain aims to test itself against stronger competition in the coming years.

“We hope to make a shot at Olympic and world qualification bouts,” the boxer said. “There are many obstacles, but the reception so far has been positive, and it will only get better over time.”

For Al Adsani, the opportunity is about more than competing internationally. He is focused on building a strong foundation for boxing at home, efforts that now align with the broader changes taking place at the national level.

Leadership Shift

A major step forward came with the appointment of Irish coach John Conlon at the end of last year, replacing Tony Davis. Conlon brings experience coaching Olympic, World, European, and Commonwealth medalists.

“He’s been fantastic to train under, and Bahrain is very lucky to have him,” Sami said. “Coaches benefit, gyms benefit, and the culture benefits from his mentality and experience.”

Al Adsani also credited Bahrain Boxing Federation president Rashid Isa Fleifel for bringing Conlon on board. “It’s a huge credit to Mr. Rashid. It shows Bahrain is serious and getting better equipped to rise to that international level and be on par with everybody else.”

Earlier this year, Conlon and federation representatives toured gyms across the kingdom to understand local talent and the sport’s culture, including the boxer’s home gym, Killa Boxing Club. The visits revealed the enthusiasm and potential already present in Bahrain’s boxing community.

Athlete Development

Conlon has introduced a 10-year plan focused on developing Bahraini boxers through international exposure and stronger coaching systems.

“It centers on developing Bahraini boxers, and that takes time,” Al Adsani explained. “That means bringing them to international camps and hosting international teams here.”

The plan also prioritizes strengthening coaching standards across the country. “He’s going to have to grind it out,” the boxer said. “Develop boxers, get them experience, and build a boxing infrastructure with the coaches in Bahrain.”

Sami sees the opportunity as open to anyone willing to commit. “It doesn’t really matter your level. If you’re enthusiastic and hardworking, you can be part of this journey because boxing is really just kicking off in this part of the world.”

He also hopes to mentor younger athletes as the program grows. “The youth team is actually much bigger than the adult team,” Al Adsani said. “There’s a lot of talent and enthusiasm, and I want to support them to bridge the gap so they can eventually represent Bahrain at a competitive level.”

Looking ahead, the boxer believes the current progress could define the sport in Bahrain for years to come. “This is a chance for Bahrain-born boxers to be developed from scratch and reach the international level,” he said. “This is just a Cinderella story,” Al Adsani reflected, “and by all accounts, the most exciting chapters are yet to unfold.”