?The Kingdom of Bahrain has successfully completed one of its most significant sporting challenges by setting the Guinness World Record for the longest play futsal tournament.
The event, which featured continuous football matches at the Bahrain Sports Federation for People with Disabilities Hall in Riffa, was played over 23 hours, 45 minutes and 8 seconds.
It was patronized by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee, who delegated Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa to attend the closing ceremony.
Shaikh Khalid, the First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council of Youth and Sports, and Bahrain Athletics Association president, was present to collect the prestigious certificate from Guinness World Record representative Ahmad Jamal Jaber, in presence of BOC general secretary Abdulrahman Askar and BOC board members.
Late on, Shaikh Khalid honored Isa Town team on winning the tournament after a 13-2 win over Budaiya in the final match. Shaikh Khalid also presented special awards to the referees of all the matches.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Shaikh Khalid extended his congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad, His Royal Highness the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, and Shaikh Nasser, on this remarkable achievement.
Shaikh Khalid expressed pride for the efforts exerted by the organizing committee, which played a major part in making this dream possible. He noted that more than 235 players, making up 18 teams, was assembled in a very short time of period, which was also a big challenge for the kingdom to bring up such an event.
On his part, BOC board member and Bahrain Football Association president Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said the Bahrain Futsal Tournament played continuously for 24 hours promotes Bahrain sports and its achievements at all levels.
He noted that Bahrain setting a Guinness World Record through sports for the first time ever emphasizes the significant support offered by the country’s leadership to sport.
Khalid Kanoo, board member of Platinum sponsors E. K. Kanoo, said he was proud to become the official sponsors for the first-ever sporting event that has boosted Bahrain’s reputation significantly on the international level by setting a Guinness World Record in futsal.
He stressed his company’s commitment and keenness to offer its Platinum sponsorship to the organizing committee, for believing that this activity would further promote Bahrain to the world as a modern and civilized nation.
