Bahrain Showjumpers triumph in France

Manama, Aug. 23 (BNA): Following the continuous support and directives of HH 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, showjumpers of the Kingdom of Bahrain were able to claim several podium spots at the Auvers International Showjumping Championship, in France between August 20-22. Bahraini rider Khalid Hilal Al Khatri won the fourth place in the final day of the championship, after competing against 43 skilled riders from Britain, Belgium, Portugal and France. Al Khatri finished a flawless final round in 39:33 minutes, while riding the Awal PDF. The contest included hurdles height of 130-140 cm. The same rider finished seventh in the 130 cm category on the second day of the championship after completing the course in 34:19 minutes. He was also placed 11th during the first day competition, along with his teammate HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who finished in the 17th place. Simultaneously, team member Ahmed Mansoor scored the fifth place on the third day, finishing in 33:46 minutes in the 120 cm competition. The Bahraini riders’ achievements come within a series of participations of Bahrain Showjumping Team in several championships in France this summer, as part of their training camp there. On the occasion, HH Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa expressed his gratitude to HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Honorary President of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF), Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), Lieutenant-General Diyab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi, Chief of Staff of BDF, HH Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, President of BREEF and Brigadier Dawood Al Manea, Member of Bahrain Olympic Committee and General Secretary of Bahrain Military Sports Federation for their endless support to the team and equestrian sports in the Kingdom.