Bahrain wins a whopping 10 medals at the recent UAE Open Boxing Championships held in Abu Dhabi, showcasing their exceptional talent and skill. The Bahraini boxers proved their mettle by winning an impressive haul of medals, including seven golds, one silver, and two bronzes, outshining their opponents from Qatar, Iraq, and the UAE. Tony Davis, the technical development manager and national team coach of the Bahrain Boxing Federation (BBF), applauded the team’s outstanding performance and described them as the best team in the championship.
In the Junior category’s 48kg division, Mohammed Moamen displayed tremendous determination and skill, putting on a commendable show before narrowly losing on points in the semi-final. Moamen’s remarkable performance earned him a well-deserved bronze medal. Bahrain continued to dominate in the Youth category, with two boxers securing gold medals. Manar Tamer emerged victorious in the 50kg Female division, exhibiting exceptional technique and control throughout her bouts. In the 67kg Male division, Ali Bukhlaf made a statement with a knockout victory in the final, demonstrating his prowess and earning the gold medal.
Bahrain’s success extended to the Elite category, with four boxers clinching gold medals in their respective weight divisions. Azat Makhmetov showcased his skills in the 54kg division, while Nurkhan Mussabeyev triumphed in the 86kg division. Rasheed Mehrinfar displayed his dominance in the 92kg division, and Danis Latypov emerged victorious in the 92+kg division. Despite exemplary performances, some Bahraini boxers had to settle for bronze medals. Ali Jaafar Asad displayed great determination in the 80kg division but narrowly missed out on a spot in the final. Abdullah Alabdullah, representing Bahrain for the first time, faced a formidable opponent in the quarter-finals of the 63.5kg division, and although he put up a valiant fight, he was unable to secure a victory.
Maryam Khamis, making her debut for Bahrain in only her third-ever bout, faced a seasoned Ukrainian international in the final. Despite her lack of experience, Khamis displayed tremendous heart and determination, managing to hold her own for two rounds. However, with the concern for her safety, her coach Tony Davis made the difficult decision to throw in the towel halfway through the third round.
Bahrain’s exceptional performance in the UAE Open Boxing Championships underscores their growing reputation as a formidable boxing nation in the Gulf region. The BBF’s technical development manager, Tony Davis, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s accomplishments, emphasizing that Bahrain was the standout team in the championship. The success also serves as valuable preparation for upcoming events, with boxers Denis and Azat set to compete in the Asian Games and the Riyadh World Combat Games. Bahrain’s continued improvement and achievements highlight their potential to become even stronger in the future.
Rashid Flaifal, the president of the Bahrain Boxing Federation, commended the team’s performance in the UAE championships. He attributed their success to the unwavering support provided by the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport, first deputy chairman Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who also serves as the chairman of the General Sports Authority and the president of the Bahrain Olympic Committee. With their remarkable medal haul and outstanding performances, Bahrain’s boxing team has firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the sport. Their dedication, skill, and determination are a testament to the bright future that lies ahead for Bahraini boxing.
