Bahrain eyes success at Asian Beach Games

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain has named a 20-athlete delegation for the sixth Asian Beach Games, held in Sanya from April 16 to 30, with 45 nations competing under the Olympic Council of Asia.

The team departed on Tuesday via Doha, led by chef de mission Ahmed Abdulghaffar, with Maryam Mardana as deputy. Bahrain enters the competition aiming to build on its strong history at the Games across multiple editions.

As in previous years, beach wrestling stands out as Bahrain’s main medal hope. The squad is led by Shamil Sharipov in the 90kg category, a world bronze and Asian silver medallist. He is joined by Magomed Sharipov, Magomedrasul Asluev, and Alibeg Alibegov, all of whom bring international podium experience and form a key strength of the delegation.

In aquatic events, Bahrain will be represented by Robert Bonsall and William Balzano in the men’s 5km open water swim. They add endurance depth to the team, though they arrive with less international experience than the wrestling contingent.

In team competition, Bahrain’s 3x3 basketball side coached by Ahmed Elias features Bogdan Dragovic, Austin Ogukwa, Milos Supica, and Nasser Al Mousawi. Their campaign opens on April 25 against Qatar, followed by India later that day and Kazakhstan on April 27. If they progress, the knockout stage begins on April 28, with medals decided on April 29.

The beach handball team, coached by Hussain Al Qaidoum, also faces a packed schedule. They begin against hosts China on April 21, meet India later that day, and continue through matches against the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Iran, and Hong Kong until April 27. The semifinals are set for April 28, with the final on April 30.

Beyond these core sports, the Games also feature beach football, kabaddi, jiu-jitsu, dragon boat, sailing, sport climbing, teqball, aquathlon triathlon, and beach volleyball. The event marks the return of the Asian Beach Games after a decade-long break since Da Nang 2016.

The Kingdom’s history at the Games raises expectations, with a total of 11 medals including seven golds. Its strongest showing came at Phuket 2014, where it secured five gold and two silver medals, while at Da Nang 2016 it added two golds in bodybuilding and jiu-jitsu.