Strong winds have postponed the second qualifying round of the HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Falcon Championship for the Gyr, Shaheen and Saker falcons. The championship is held under the patronage 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 the Bahrain Olympic Committee, in cooperation with the Nasser bin Hamad Foundation.

The second qualifying round of the tournament was scheduled to begin yesterday with the 400-meter Al-Da'wa competition, but strong winds across the Kingdom delayed the start of the round.

Khalifa Al Qoud, Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the HH Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Falcon Championship, confirmed that the committee had taken the decision to postpone the event out of concern for the safety of the participants and the falcons. He added that holding the competitions in this environment would be detrimental to the health of the participants and the birds, and that the conditions would not serve the championship in terms of follow-up and media coverage.

Al-Qaoud indicated that the committee is considering resuming the event next Tuesday, with the event continuing until Saturday, January 17. He explained that the clear weather will have a positive impact on presenting the event in the desired manner and will also help participating falconers present better artistic levels.

Al-Qaoud expressed his thanks and appreciation to all falconers participating in the 400-meter Al-Da’w competition in the second qualifying stage, who expressed their understanding of the organizing committee’s decision to postpone the start of the competition until today, in order to ensure that the atmosphere is appropriate and suitable for their participation in this competition, the results of which will qualify 15 competitors for the elite round, which will be held over the course of January 15 and 16. Al-Qaoud also thanked the members of the working committees and Bahrain Sports Channel for their attendance and presence at the championship’s starting site despite the postponement decision, which reflects their keenness and interest in highlighting this championship, which serves the aspirations of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa to make this event a success, which reflects His Highness’s directives to preserve authentic Bahraini values and heritage through traditional sports, including falconry.