Manama: His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, has deputised His Highness General Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, Commander of the National Guard, to attend the closing ceremony of the shooting and military marathon championships. The event was held in celebration of the 29th anniversary of the National Guard's establishment at the Sakhir Shooting Ranges Complex.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the National Guard Commander was welcomed by Lieutenant General Shaikh Abdulaziz bin Saud Al Khalifa, National Guard Staff Director, along with other senior officers. The ceremony commenced with the national anthem and a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a welcoming address by Brigadier Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, Assistant for Operations and Training. In his address, Brigadier Shaikh Salman highlighted the progress achieved by the National Guard across its units and sectors, crediting the support of His Majesty the King, the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, and the leadership of the National Guard Commander.
The event featured the final rounds of the shooting championship, which included rifle, pistol, and shotgun categories, with the Special Operations Unit qualifying in the shooting competition. Earlier, the military marathon was conducted, in which the Special Operations Unit secured first place among the participating units.
Representing His Majesty the King, the National Guard Commander presented several decorations awarded by Royal Order. These included the Order of Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa (First Class) to the National Guard Staff Director and the Order of Bahrain (First Class) to Major General Jalal Ibrahim Al Wazzan, Technical Affairs Adviser; Major General Hisham Mohammed Al Thawadi, Assistant for Administrative Affairs; and Brigadier Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, Assistant for Operations and Training.
Additionally, the National Guard Commander distributed medals to officers and trophies to the winners of the shooting championship, as well as the trophy for the military marathon. He conveyed the greetings and appreciation from His Majesty the King to all National Guard members on the occasion of its 29th anniversary, praising their efforts and sacrifices in maintaining the security of the Kingdom of Bahrain.