His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier received today Representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS) and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa on arrival in Bahrain after winning the Ironman World Championship, held recently in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, the USA. More than 3000 participants from around the world participated in the championship in which HH Shaikh Nasser clinched the first place in a new international historic accomplishment added to the kingdom’s record of achievements.

HH Shaikh Nasser was also received by Personal Representative of HM the King Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, SCYS First Deputy Chairman and Bahrain Athletics Association President Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Shaikh Sultan bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and senior members of the royal family.

After playing the national anthem, HM the King and HH Shaikh Nasser went to the VIP Lounge at Bahrain International Airport where they were congratulated on the major international achievement by senior officials in the sport field, Presidents of sport associations and athletes.

HM the King expressed heartfelt congratulations to HH Shaikh Nasser, taking pride in the historic and honourable accomplishment which crowned his tremendous efforts, continuous training and great performance.

HM King Hamad paid tribute to HH Shaikh Nasser, lauding the spirit of determination and challenge characterising the Bahraini people who proved their ability to compete, win and mount podiums. He underlined constant keenness to provide all care, support and encouragement for Bahraini youth to continue excelling in the sport arena.

HH Shaikh Nasser extended heartfelt thanks to HM the King for receiving him, describing him as his role model and source of inspiration in making achievements at all levels. He also paid tribute to HM the King for his unflinching support to the youth to bring about achievements and project Bahrain worldwide by casting light on the wise leadership of HM the King and the kingdom’s civilisational progress.

HH Shaikh Nasser lauded HM the King’s continuous encouragement to him in the triathlon competitions, stressing that by clinching the first place in the Ironman World Championship, he kept a promise he had made to become a hard figure in this sport. He also paid tribute to the Bahraini people for their support to him, thanking all well-wishers for their congratulations to him and pledging to continue the path of achievements.