Manama: His Highness Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Vice President of the General Sports Authority and President of the Bahrain Combat Sports Council, extended his congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa; His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister; His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, His Majesty the King's Representative for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports; and His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, Chairman of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, on the national wrestling team's achievement of first place in the freestyle category at the UWW Grand Prix of Spain 2025.
According to Bahrain News Agency, His Highness highlighted that the achievement reflects the ongoing support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for the sports sector and athletes in Bahrain, as well as the committed efforts of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa. He emphasized that this collective backing was crucial in reaching this milestone, contributing to the growing list of accomplishments in Bahraini wrestling.
His Highness Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed praised the strong performance of the national team players during the tournament, stating that their level of preparation was apparent in their ability to secure this result. He also expressed gratitude for the technical and administrative staff's efforts in preparing the athletes for this outcome.
His Highness congratulated the Bahrain Wrestling Federation, led by Abdulredha Abdulhussain Haji, on the national team's success. He acknowledged the federation's role in preparing the team for the international tournament and expressed hopes for continued success in future competitions.
Abdulredha Abdulhussain Haji, President of the Bahrain Wrestling Federation, also extended his congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa; His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa; His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa; His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa; and His Highness Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa. He noted the strong participation and high technical standards of the tournament, asserting that the team's distinguished performance earned them their result.
Haji commended the national team wrestlers' technical level during the tournament and praised the technical and administrative staff for their preparation efforts. He expressed optimism for Bahrain wrestling's future, aiming for further achievements.
The Bahrain national wrestling team claimed first place in the overall freestyle team rankings at the UWW Grand Prix of Spain 2025, winning five medals: four gold and one bronze. Olympic champion Akhmed Tazhudinov secured gold in the 97kg category, Shamil Sharipov in the 125kg category, Khidir Saipudinov in the 79kg category, and Magomedrasul Asluev in the 74kg category. Alibek Alibekov earned a bronze medal in the 65kg category.