Bishkek, July 17 (BNA): The Bahrain Rugby Federation (BRF) has been accepted as a member of Asia Rugby, the regional governing body for rugby.
BRF President Nader Shaheen at the biannual Asian Rugby General Assembly in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, presented the history of rugby in Bahrain over the past 50 years and plans to develop the sport in accordance with global rugby guidelines.
After a rare bid, the General Assembly voted unanimously to accept the Bahrain Rugby Federation as a member. Asia Rugby has 35 other member countries, covering the geographical area from Jordan to China, including North Africa.
The Bahrain Rugby Federation was established in February 2022 upon the directives of His Royal Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, Chairman of the Public Sports Authority and Chairman of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, to establish a federation.
The Bahrain Rugby Federation committee headed by Nader Shaheen was formed to launch the operation.
Asia Rugby membership enables Bahrain to form a national representative team in competitive and friendly international matches against the other 35 member nations of Asia Rugby, including participating in 15 and 7 tournaments.
It will support Bahrain Rugby Football Club’s participation in cross-border competitions such as the West Asia Premier League and the Gulf Conference and will provide access to support in the development of coaches, officials and women’s rugby.
The Bahrain Rugby Federation aims to encourage, promote and develop the game of rugby in Bahrain and contribute to the physical, psychological and mental care of the individual through sports, social and cultural upbringing.
This is done in coordination and cooperation with all sports institutions and bodies and within the rules and regulations in force internationally and in Bahrain.
The Federation also aims to strengthen and develop the international relations of the game to achieve optimal sports representation at home and abroad.