MOI eager to build on challenger success with women’s, juniors’ tournaments

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Kingdom is eager to build on the success of the Bahrain Ministry of Interior Tennis Challenger 2024, with an eye on hosting international tournaments for women and juniors in the future.

This year’s ATP Challenger Tour event in Bahrain has received high praise from the visiting players and officials from the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), as well as fans.

In light of this, the tournament’s general supervisor Shaikh Khalid bin Rashid Al Khalifa expressed his delight in the tremendous response, and highlighted the Ministry of Interior’s (MOI) keenness to help further the development of tennis in the Kingdom with the organisation of more top-level competitions.

“The participating players expressed their admiration for the tournament, praising the exceptional organisation, meticulous arrangements, and the high level of competition that rivals prominent international events,” Shaikh Khalid said. “Many players, particularly those making their tournament debut, have expressed their intention to return in the future.

Their positive feedback reinforces the ministry’s commitment to organising more distinguished tournaments, with the potential inclusion of women’s tournaments and events for young players.

“The ultimate goal is to attract larger international tournaments based on global rankings, thereby elevating the game of tennis in the Kingdom of Bahrain and affording local players the invaluable opportunity to compete against internationally ranked athletes.

“Looking ahead, the MOI, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, is determined to continue organising top-tier tournaments.”

Shaikh Khalid noted that one of the highlights of this year’s Bahrain Ministry of Interior Tennis Challenger was the expo held on the sidelines.

“The additions made to this year’s tournament were truly captivating, making it stand out from its predecessors,” Shaikh Khalid said. “One of the notable highlights of this edition was the introduction of an accompanying expo, marking a first in sports events.

The purpose of the expo was to celebrate the rich heritage of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the history of the Ministry of Interior, which spans over a century.

“Visitors had the opportunity to witness traditional police uniforms and explore the evolution of security patrols. “I am thrilled that the Bahrain Ministry of Interior Tennis Challenger has had an amazing third edition.

It turned out to be extraordinary. “ Shaikh Khalid reinforced the MOI’s commitment to the sport and to holding future events of the highest level.

“The MOI extends its utmost gratitude to HE Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa for his unwavering support and dedication to organising this exceptional tournament,” he said.

“With the inclusion of the accompanying exhibition and the commitment to future development, the ministry aims to position the Kingdom as a leading host of international tennis tournaments.”

As part of yesterday’s events, Shaikh Khalid awarded doubles champions Sergio Martos Gornes of Spain and Petros Tsitsipas of Greece following their final.