
Al Khaldiya Crowned Champions of Inaugural Khalid bin Hamad Football Cup
Al Khaldiya Club clinched the title of the inaugural Khalid bin Hamad Football Cup after securing a 1-0 victory over Riffa in a thrilling final at Bahrain National Stadium. The prestigious event concluded with 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, crowning the champions.
HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad extended his congratulations to Al Khaldiya for their remarkable achievement, praising the dedication and hard work of the players, coaching staff, and management. He also recognized the club's board and passionate supporters for their unwavering backing throughout the tournament. Additionally, he commended Riffa for their strong performance and wished them success in future editions of the competition.
Acknowledging the Bahrain Football Association's role in organizing the tournament, HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad expressed his appreciation to football fans and the media for their support in making the event a success. He emphasized the significance of such tournaments in the development of football in Bahrain, stating that they contribute to enhancing player performance, fostering healthy competition, and improving tactical and technical standards.
Reaffirming his commitment to the advancement of Bahraini football, HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad reiterated his support for similar initiatives aimed at elevating the sport both regionally and internationally. The Khalid bin Hamad Football Cup has set the stage for future editions, promising continued growth and excellence in the local football scene.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Tribune
2 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
'Habibi, this is Bahrain,' says Talajić
TDT | Manama Bahrain's defining clash vs Saudi Arabia in 2026 qualifiers, tomorrow at 7PM Stād Al Bahrain Al Watanī (Bahrain National Stadium) in Riffa braces for a make-or-break match as Bahrain takes on Saudi Arabia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian qualifiers. After a goalless draw in Jeddah in October, both sides step onto the pitch knowing that three points could shift the trajectory of their campaigns. Do-or-Die Tomorrow's game is Bahrain's final home fixture in the third round of Asian qualifiers, a stage where every result carries monumental weight. With Japan already qualified from Group C and Australia firmly in contention, the fight for third and fourth positions that offer a lifeline to the next round has intensified. Bahrain, currently fifth with six points, faces a Saudi side sitting third with 10. The margins are tight, and the outcome in Riffa could prove decisive. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation. Entry for Bahraini fans in the general stands is free, a gesture from the Bahrain Football Association (BFA) to pack the stadium with vocal support. VIP tickets, priced at BD20, and Category One tickets for Saudi supporters remain available. Preparation has been meticulous for Bahrain, guided by Croatian head coach Dragan Talajić. The squad has honed its tactics over recent weeks, culminating in a final training session last night at the National Stadium. Adding to the momentum, BFA Vice President Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Isa Al Khalifa visited the team on Monday at Shaikh Ali Bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Stadium in Arad, offering encouragement that echoed through the camp. Talajić has instilled a sense of purpose in his players, applying tactical discipline with an understanding of the occasion. The team's resolve was evident in their last outing against Saudi Arabia, where they held strong defensively. Tomorrow, they'll need to be brave going forward and take the game to Hervé Renard's men. Voices from the Camp Talajić's pre-match press conference offered insight into his approach. "Big game is coming up against our big brothers, Saudi Arabia. Very difficult game for both of us, not just us, also them. They have great players, great coach, but habibi, they are coming to Bahrain," he said, acknowledging the quality of the opposition while subtly playing up the home advantage. His confidence was loud and clear: "We are in a situation where everything is in our hands, and I promise we will fight for our Kingdom." The coach reflected on past missteps: "I made some mistakes" but quickly pivoted to ambition. "We are aiming to win all the six points that are left, and I am proud of my players," he added. With Eid approaching, Talajić sees a win as a gift to the fans: "We want to celebrate together. We are Bahraini, we're always winners." Striker Mehdi Abduljabbar echoed this optimism. "We're going into the match with a positive attitude for the win. Our fans are hoping for a positive outcome, and we're going to do everything in our power to make them happy," he said. His belief in the team's potential was clear: "In the world of football, nothing is over." Group C Puzzle Group C has been a relentless challenge and full of twists and turns. Japan lead with an impeccable 20 points, their World Cup spot secured. Australia, with 13 points, are poised to join them. Saudi Arabia (10 points) and Indonesia (9 points) sit above Bahrain and China, both locked at six points but separated by goal difference. Tomorrow's result could reshape the standings, with third and fourth place offering passage to a fourth round group stage. There, group winners qualify directly, while runners-up face a playoff route to the global finals. Bahrain's path is narrow but not impassable. Victory over Saudi Arabia, followed by a result against China in Chongqing next Tuesday, could put them in contention. The numbers tell a story of struggle, but football thrives on moments of defiance. Fans' Role in the Fight The Bahraini faithful will be the heartbeat of tomorrow's effort. Free entry ensures a sea of red and white, a visual and vocal force that Talajić and his players are counting on. Abduljabbar highlighted their impact: "We know our fans will be there backing us from the opening whistle, and it will push us." The team's final home stand in this round carries an emotional weight and a chance to unite a nation in celebration before the Eid holidays. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, comes in with World Cup pedigree and purpose, and a win would solidify their grip on a qualification spot. But playing in Riffa, against a Bahrain side fuelled by desperation and home support, presents a tough challenge. One Last Push Tomorrow's 7PM kickoff is a testament to Bahrain's footballing spirit. The stakes are clear: a win keeps the World Cup dream flickering; a loss dims it significantly. They will also be keeping a close eye on Indonesia's clash with China at 4:45PM, as the result could have a direct impact on Bahrain's path in Group C. Talajić's men have prepared, the fans are ready, and the stage is set. Bahrain will be hoping to draw confidence from their 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia last December in the Gulf Cup and channel that belief into this qualifier. In a group led by giants like Japan and Australia, this match gives Bahrain a chance to shape their own narrative and keep the dream of a first-ever World Cup qualification alive.


Daily Tribune
11 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
HRH Prince Salman: Sports key to growth
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, stressed that sports represent a key pillar of the Kingdom's development, contributing to economic growth and empowering Bahraini youth. During his meeting with Barry Hearn, President of Matchroom Sport, at Gudaibiya Palace, HRH highlighted Bahrain's success in hosting major international sporting events, reflecting its rising global recognition as a premier sports destination. His Royal Highness affirmed that Bahrain continues to adopt initiatives that strengthen its global sporting stature, in line with the Kingdom's comprehensive development under the leadership of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.


Daily Tribune
16 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Global Icons, Shared Vision: Bahrain Welcomes Olympic Hockey Legend Moritz Fürste
HH Shaikh Nasser and Fürste explore a new frontier of fitness with HYROX collaboration in the Kingdom. Sporting Minds Aligned When elite athletes from different worlds meet—not on the field, but across a table—it often signals something more than polite diplomacy. This week in Bahrain, that meeting took place between His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Olympic hockey great Moritz Fürste, a two-time gold medalist and the force behind the fast-growing global fitness competition, HYROX. Fürste is building something uniquely powerful with HYROX, blending functional fitness with competitive structure in a way that could reshape how elite and everyday athleticism is approached. And Bahrain, increasingly, is becoming the proving ground for such innovation. Champion Meets a Kingdom on the Rise Fürste's career speaks for itself having secured gold in Beijing 2008, gold again in London 2012, and a bronze in Rio 2016. Few athletes carry such a résumé, and fewer still translate it into entrepreneurial impact as he has with HYROX. His visit to Bahrain was more than ceremonial; it was exploratory, collaborative, and rich with potential. Shaikh Nasser, Bahrain's leading figure in sport and youth development, welcomed Fürste at a time when the Kingdom is amplifying its efforts in endurance and strength-based disciplines. Their discussions touched not only on HYROX but on a broader sporting vision, where resilience meets performance, and fitness becomes a platform for national identity. A Natural Fit Bahrain has already made a name for itself in strength sports through local initiatives like the Strongest Bahraini and Strongest Gulf competitions. HYROX, with its hybrid structure combining distance running and functional strength exercises such as sled pushes and weighted lunges, aligns seamlessly with Bahrain's evolving sporting identity. It's demanding, measurable, and accessible—traits that echo the values instilled by Shaikh Nasser's leadership in the country's athletic programs. A Moment Bigger Than Sport Fürste, in turn, expressed admiration for Bahrain's hospitality and for Shaikh Nasser's role in inspiring a new generation of Bahraini athletes. His acknowledgment underlined a mutual respect—one that extends beyond accolades into shared purpose. The tone of the meeting was visionary as much as it was transactional. With HYROX eyeing international expansion, Bahrain emerges as a compelling partner.