Manama, May 29 (BNA): Under the patronage of the First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport and President of the Bahrain Athletics Association Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the final qualifying round of the National Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Championship, organised by the Khalid bin Hamad Foundation, was held yesterday at Khalifa Sports City.

On arrival, Shaikh Khalid was welcomed by Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs Hesham bin Mohammed Al-Jowdar, International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) Chief Executive Densign White, British Judo Association (BJA) Chairman Kerrith Brown and a number of officials at the youth and sports sector.

Shaikh Khalid attended the final qualifying rounds, in which 16 fighters from different local martial arts’ schools took part, and the final match between the French fighter Francis and the Brazilian fighter William.

He met IMMAF chief executive and BJA chairman to review ways of cooperation and coordination in order to upgrade the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in the region, underscoring the importance of this sport.

He lauded the organisation of the championship, expressing his delight for the participation of all the fighters.

He commended the fighters’ advanced level during the rounds and the technical level of the final match fighters.

He asserted that the final qualifying round aims to find to create a solid ground for MMA in Bahrain, in order to promote the culture of this sport which is already spreading among the Bahraini youth, thanks to opening several MMA schools and clubs.

He added that these rounds encourage the youth to practice this sport within safe framework and legal regulations, which will put Bahrain on the GCC, Arab and world map in this sport.

Shaikh Khalid expressed his thanks and appreciation for the organising committee, highly valuing the efforts of the press at covering this event.

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BNA 1648 GMT 2015/05/29