His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee and Head of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s delegation to the 20th Asian Games, Aichi-Nagoya 2026, attended the handball final, where Bahrain’s national team claimed the gold medal after a thrilling 33-32 victory over Qatar, adding another major achievement to the Kingdom’s sporting record on the continental stage.

His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa congratulated the players, as well as the technical and administrative staff, on the achievement, praising the outstanding level displayed by the team throughout the tournament and the determination, fighting spirit and composure shown in the final, which culminated in their ascent to the top of the Asian Games podium.

His Highness affirmed that the achievement reflects the support and patronage extended to Bahrain’s sporting movement by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, may God protect and preserve him, and the continued attention of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him. He also highlighted the ongoing support of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport, and His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport, Chairman of the General Sports Authority and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee.

His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa said: “We take immense pride in this achievement by the champions of our national handball team, who have once again demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level in Asia. They delivered an inspiring display of commitment, determination and fighting spirit, culminating in the gold medal and bringing immense pride to the Kingdom.”

His Highness continued: “This gold medal is more than another addition to Bahrain’s medal tally. It is the culmination of years of hard work, planning and collective effort, and reflects the strength and depth of Bahraini handball and its ability to achieve even greater success.”

His Highness also commended the efforts of the Bahrain Handball Federation, headed by Ali Isa Ishaqi, together with the technical and administrative staff and all the players, praising their dedication throughout the preparation period and the Games.