Gulf Games Begin with Dazzling Opening Ceremony

TDT | Manama

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Bahrain reaffirmed its commitment to regional sporting excellence and Gulf unity through its participation in the opening ceremony of the 4th GCC Games, held yesterday at the Al Shaqab Indoor Arena in Doha.

The ceremony officially launched the Games, hosted by Qatar until May 22. It featured a large-scale artistic showcase celebrating Gulf and Qatari heritage, culminating in an operetta titled “One Gulf... One Heart.” Athletes from across the GCC gathered in a unified celebration of sport, culture, and shared ambition.

Leading Bahrain’s delegation during the parade of nations was His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee. The national flag was carried by athletes Rashed Sanad and Bayan Salman, symbolising Bahrain’s sporting pride and competitive spirit.

Bahrain fields a strong contingent across 18 sports, underscoring its continued rise as one of the region’s leading sporting nations. The delegation competes in disciplines including athletics, swimming, shooting, volleyball, padel, boxing, fencing, karate, taekwondo, and table tennis, among others.

Events are being staged across 10 world-class venues in Doha, including Aspire Dome, Al Gharafa Sports Club, Qatar Sports Club, Lusail Shooting Range, and the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, reflecting the scale and organisation of this year’s edition.

Bahrain arrives with a strong track record in the competition. It topped the medal table at the inaugural 2011 GCC Games and has remained a consistent contender ever since, most recently securing 64 medals, including 20 gold, at the 2022 Games in Kuwait.

On the field of play, Bahrain’s campaign begins today in 3x3 basketball at Al Gharafa Hall, with both men’s and women’s teams opening their round-robin fixtures against regional opponents.

In handball, expectations are high as the men’s national team begins its campaign later this week following a landmark year that included winning the Asian Men’s Handball Championship and qualifying for the 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship in Germany.

Under head coach Robert Hedin, the squad has prioritised continuity and cohesion, completing final preparations at the Bahrain Handball Federation Arena in Um Al Hassam. Handball remains one of Bahrain’s most successful disciplines at the GCC Games, with gold in 2011 and silver in both 2015 and 2022.

As competition unfolds in Doha, Bahrain’s athletes continue to pursue strong performances across multiple disciplines, carrying national ambitions onto one of the Gulf’s most prominent regional sporting stages.