Times of Bahrain, Office 129, Building 106, Block 331, Manama (2026)

16/01/2026

BRAVE CF Lead Voice Phil Campbell Honored as Commentator of the Year in Ireland

Manama: Renowned combat sports broadcaster Phil Campbell has been named Commentator of the Year at the Energized Irish MMA Awards, presented by the Energized Show, one of Ireland’s fastest-growing combat sports podcasts.

The award recognizes Campbell’s growing influence as one of the most respected and trusted voices in mixed martial arts, both in Ireland and internationally. As the lead commentator for BRAVE Combat Federation, Campbell has become a defining presence on global MMA broadcasts, known for his calm authority, technical insight, and clear storytelling.
“It’s a huge honor and something I don’t take lightly,” Campbell said. “Commentary is about serving the fighters and the fans. My role is to tell their stories honestly and explain what’s really happening inside the cage.”
BRAVE CF President Mohammed Shahid praised Campbell’s impact, stating that his voice has become an integral part of how BRAVE CF events are experienced worldwide.
Born in Larne, County Antrim, Campbell is a former Irish National MMA Champion and Irish National Bare-Knuckle Boxing Champion, bringing rare firsthand experience to the commentary booth.

Campbell will return to the microphone for BRAVE CF 104 on February 14 in Belgrade, Serbia.

Visit: Times of Bahrain

13/01/2026

Global Cricket Fever Grips ISB as ICC T20 World Cup Trophy Visits Campus

Manama: Cricket excitement swept through The Indian School Bahrain (ISB) on Sunday, 11 January 2026, as the DP World ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy arrived on campus. The visit was part of a dynamic three-day tour across the Kingdom, organised by the Bahrain Cricket Federation (BCF) in collaboration with the International Cricket Council (ICC), aiming to ignite local passion for the sport and inspire future generations.

The ISB community gave a warm welcome to the visiting delegation led by Project Lead Joseph Martes and BCF executives. The reception included ISB Hon. Secretary V. Rajapandian; Hon. Vice-Chairman and Sports Committee Member Dr. Mohammed Faizal; Hon. Assistant Secretary & Academics Committee Member Ranjini Mohan; Hon. Member – Projects and Maintenance Mithun Mohan; Hon. Member Biju George; Principal VR Palaniswamy; Junior Wing Principal Pamela Xavier; Vice-Principal (Senior School & Academic Admin) G. Satheesh; Junior Wing Vice-Principal Priya Laji; and Staff Representative Parvathi Devadas, along with physical education staff and student athletes.

ISB Hon. Chairman Adv. Binu Mannil Varughese highlighted the importance of such international exposure, stating that the presence of the iconic trophy inspires students to strive for excellence, teamwork, and discipline — values at the heart of both sports and education.

The event not only celebrated cricket but also reinforced ISB’s dedication to nurturing well-rounded global citizens with a passion for achievement both in academics and athletics.

Visit: Times of Bahrain

09/01/2026

National Guard Celebrates 29th Anniversary with Shooting & Marathon Championships

Manama: His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, 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, held at the Sakhir Shooting Ranges, marked the 29th anniversary of the National Guard’s establishment.

Upon arrival, HH General Shaikh Mohammed was received by Lieutenant General Shaikh Abdulaziz bin Saud Al Khalifa, National Guard Staff Director, along with senior officers.

The ceremony began with the national anthem and a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a welcome address from Brigadier Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, Assistant for Operations and Training. He highlighted the National Guard’s progress and development across all sectors, crediting the leadership and support of His Majesty the King, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and the National Guard Commander.

The championship finals featured rifle, pistol, and shotgun competitions, with the Special Operations Unit taking top honors in shooting. Earlier in the day, the same unit also won first place in the military marathon.

On behalf of HM the King, the National Guard Commander presented royal decorations. The Order of Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa (First Class) was awarded to the Staff Director, while the Order of Bahrain (First Class) was presented to Major General Jalal Ibrahim Al Wazzan, Major General Hisham Mohammed Al Thawadi, and Brigadier Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed.

Medals and trophies were also distributed to winners and outstanding officers. HH General Shaikh Mohammed conveyed His Majesty’s greetings and appreciation to all National Guard personnel, praising their dedication and role in maintaining Bahrain’s safety and stability.

Visit: Times of Bahrain

09/01/2026

iGA Empowers Youth with ‘Numbers Shaping the Future’ Session

Manama: The Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA), in collaboration with the Bahrain Science Center at the Ministry of Youth Affairs, hosted an interactive session titled ‘Numbers Shaping the Future’, aimed at raising statistical awareness among Bahraini youth and encouraging responsible engagement with official data.

Held as part of a strategic partnership between the iGA and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the session sought to instill a data-driven mindset in young people, highlighting the role of statistics in supporting evidence-based decisions and shaping national development plans. The collaboration also aligns with national efforts to equip youth with critical academic and professional skills.

Ms. Duaa Sultan Mohamed, iGA’s Deputy Chief Executive for Statistics and Population Registry, addressed the audience, shedding light on the historical development of statistical work in Bahrain, which began in the 1940s. She outlined the iGA’s efforts in producing key statistical indicators, including foreign trade figures, national accounts, and various national surveys that serve as vital tools for government planning and policymaking.

Ms. Duaa emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in the field of statistics, particularly among GCC countries, to enhance data quality, exchange expertise, and promote a unified development vision. She stressed that such cooperation also enhances youth understanding of the role of statistics in sustainable growth.

The session included engaging interactive activities, where participants were grouped to analyze data, identify priorities, and present their findings. These hands-on exercises helped deepen their understanding of statistical tools and sharpened their skills in interpreting information.

The initiative reflects Bahrain’s commitment to nurturing a generation capable of contributing to the country’s future using the power of data.

Visit: Times of Bahrain

09/01/2026

HM King Praises Royal Guard During Visit to BDF Unit

Manama: His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, paid a visit to the Bahrain Defence Force’s (BDF) Royal Guard as part of his continued engagements with BDF units. He was accompanied by Field Marshal Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander-in-Chief of the BDF.

His Majesty was received by Lieutenant General His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, National Security Advisor and Commander of the Royal Guard; Colonel His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Commander of Special Operations; Lieutenant General Theyab bin Saqr Al Nuaimi, BDF Chief of Staff; Major General Hamad Khalifa Al Noaimi, Deputy Royal Guard Commander; along with other senior officers.

The national anthem marked the beginning of the ceremony, followed by an inspection of the parade by His Majesty. A recitation from the Holy Quran and a poem presented by Lt. Gen. HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad added a ceremonial touch to the proceedings.

HM the King also toured the Royal Guard Special Operations Museum, where Lt. Gen. HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad and Colonel HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad outlined current and future plans to further develop the Royal Guard, focusing on enhancing its operational readiness and advanced capabilities.

At the conclusion of the visit, HM the King extended his heartfelt appreciation to all members of the Royal Guard and the wider BDF for their dedication and service. He also conveyed New Year greetings to the armed forces, wishing them continued success in their mission to safeguard the Kingdom.

This visit reaffirms His Majesty’s strong support for the BDF and highlights the Royal Guard’s role in maintaining national security and preparedness.

Visit: Times of Bahrain

08/01/2026

Bharathi Association to Host Grand Tamil Pongal Festival in Bahrain on January 16

Manama: The Bharathi Association, Bahrain’s only registered Tamil association under the Ministry of Social Development, is set to host a grand-scale Pongal celebration on January 16, 2026, at the Indian Club, in collaboration with Star Vision Events.

A press conference was held to announce the vibrant day-long festival that promises to be a celebration of Tamil culture, community, and heritage. Pongal, a traditional harvest festival celebrated globally by Tamils, marks the beginning of the Tamil month ‘Thai’ and is considered one of the most important and joyous occasions in Tamil culture.

The day’s events will begin at 7:30 AM with a colorful Kolam competition, followed by a range of fun traditional games like Tug of War and Uri Adithal, Competitions are open to men, women, and children, with hundreds of gifts and prizes adding to the festive excitement.

A major highlight of the celebration will be the traditional Pongal ritual, where sweet rice is cooked in new clay pots until it overflows — a symbol of prosperity — with enthusiastic chants of “Pongalo Pongal!” The venue will be decorated with sugarcane, mango leaves, banana trees, and flowers, creating a truly authentic festive atmosphere.

The morning session will conclude with a traditional Tamil feast served on banana leaves. Guests will be treated to a cultural showcase featuring iconic Tamil folk dances such as Oyil Aattam, Parai Aattam, Kavadi Aattam, Karagattam, and other folk performances. Over 62 dancers will take the stage, along with more than 60 women performing a vibrant Kummi dance, choreographed by acclaimed dance teacher Nritya Kalaratna Mrs. Hansul Gani.

The evening session will offer an entertainment extravaganza with a live orchestra and celebrity guests from the Tamil film industry. The show will also feature mimicry acts and comedy performances, making it an unforgettable cultural night for the entire family.

Thousands from the Tamil community across Bahrain and the Gulf are expected to attend.

07/01/2026

Chikex Becomes Official Sponsor of Manama Club’s Youth Basketball Teams to Boost Golden Generation Goals

Manama: In a strategic move to bolster youth sports development in Bahrain, Manama Club has announced Chikex Bahrain as the official sponsor of its youth and junior basketball teams. The partnership is aligned with the national “Golden Generation”
(جيل الذهب) initiative spearheaded by His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, which focuses on nurturing young talent across various sports disciplines.

The sponsorship reflects Manama Club’s long-term vision to invest in future generations by strengthening its youth infrastructure. Hassan Nowrooz, Board Member and Head of Media & PR at Manama Club, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, saying:
“This partnership demonstrates a clear alignment between the vision of the Golden Generation initiative and Manama Club’s strategy. We believe t a strong foundation starts with investing in young talent. This sponsorship will support our efforts in preparing future players who can proudly represent both the club and the Kingdom.”

The initiative will provide operational support for the club’s basketball programs at the youth and junior levels. It aims to enhance training, facilities, and competition readiness, particularly for national tournaments held under the Golden Generation framework.

Representing Chikex Bahrain, Mr. Arshad Hashim, Director, shared his enthusiasm for the initiative:
“Our partnership with Manama Club stems from our belief in empowering young people through sport. Supporting the youth and junior basketball teams under the Golden Generation vision, and in line with the club’s strategy, reflects our commitment to contributing to the development of Bahraini sports and the wider community.”

Manama Club expressed its heartfelt gratitude to Chikex for their trust and commitment, underlining that such collaborations are vital to building a sustainable sports culture in Bahrain.

Manama Club strengthens its commitment to developing Bahraini basketball by nurturing grassroots-level talent.
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07/01/2026

🏏 Cricket Fever Hits Bahrain: ICC Trophy Tour Set to Make History! 🇧🇭✨

The iconic ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy is arriving in the Kingdom of Bahrain! 🏆
From 9th to 11th January, we are proud to host this prestigious tour that celebrates the spirit of cricket and Bahrain’s growing legacy in global sports.

Get ready to:
📸 Snap your official photo with the legendary Trophy!
🎯 Join fun-filled quizzes & interactive games to test your cricket knowledge!
🌟 Feel the electric vibe that puts Bahrain on the world’s sporting stage.

This is more than just a visit — it’s a celebration of cricket, community, and culture.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable moment. Mark your calendars! 🗓️🔥

Visit: Times of Bahrain
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07/01/2026

ISB Platinum Jubilee Fair Set to Dazzle with Star Shows & Mega Prizes!

The Indian School Bahrain is celebrating 75 glorious years with a grand Cultural Fair on Jan 15 & 16, 2026! 🎉

Get ready for two days of fun, music, and community vibes—featuring live concerts by 🎹 Stephen Devassy (Jan 15) and 🎤 Rupali Jagga with Abhishek Soni (Jan 16)!

🎁 Raffle highlights include:
🚗 MG ZS car (from Zayani Motors)
🥇 Gold coins (Joyalukkas)
🧊 600L fridge, 🎶 home theatre, 🧼 washing machine, 🍳 Philips appliances & more (Fakhro)

🎟 Entry: Just BD 2!
📍 Venue: Indian School Bahrain
🎊 Proceeds go towards student & staff welfare.

Join us for Bahrain’s biggest school celebration of the year!

Visit: Times of Bahrain

07/01/2026

Cricket Unites Bahrain: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour Set for January

Manama: Bahrain is gearing up for a major sporting milestone as the Bahrain Cricket Federation (BCF) officially announced the DP World ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour, scheduled from January 9 to 11, 2026. The details were unveiled at a press conference held Monday evening in Manama.

Organised in collaboration with the International Cricket Council (ICC), the three-day tour will offer cricket fans, families, students, and the wider community a unique chance to witness the prestigious ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy up close.

Mr. Mohammed Mansoor, Chairman of the BCF Advisory Board, described the tour as a proud moment for Bahrain’s growing cricket ambitions. “This event marks our rising influence in global cricket and reflects our commitment to making the sport accessible to all communities in Bahrain,” he said.

The press event was attended by BCF President Mr. Sami Ali, General Secretary Mr. Kishore Kewalram, Treasurer Ms. Meenaz, Advisor Mr. Yousif Lori, and board members Mr. Sameer and Ms. Alison, along with sponsors, partners, and media representatives.

More Than Just Cricket

The Trophy Tour promises a celebration that blends cricket, culture, and community. Key highlights of the Bahrain leg include:

- A Royal Boat Parade showcasing the trophy
- Fan engagement activities at major shopping malls
- Visits to historic and cultural sites
- School outreach programmes to inspire young talent

This unique combination aims to spotlight Bahrain’s rich heritage while reinforcing cricket as a unifying force across generations and cultures.

BCF extended its gratitude to sponsors and partners who made the tour possible, including Mr. Abhijeet (CEO, iWorld), Mr. Anthony (UFC Gym), and Mr. Farhan (GM, Marriott Juffair). Special thanks were also given to media partners supporting the event’s outreach.

Bahrain welcomes the cricket world with a Trophy Tour that celebrates sport, unity, culture, and national pride beyond the game.

06/01/2026

Dar Al Shifa Medical Center Welcomes Veteran Internal Medicine Specialist

Manama: Dar Al Shifa Medical Center proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Mohammed Hassan Maricar, a highly respected Specialist in Internal Medicine with over 23 years of clinical experience.

Dr. Maricar brings a wealth of expertise from leading healthcare institutions in India and Saudi Arabia. His return to Bahrain holds special meaning, as he is an alumnus of the Indian School Bahrain, reconnecting him with the community where his journey began.

He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of chronic and lifestyle-related conditions, including:

* Diabetes Mellitus
* Hypertension
* Thyroid Disorders
* Hyperlipidemia
* Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Diseases

Known for his patient-centered approach and clinical precision, Dr. Maricar is committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care tailored to each individual’s needs.

For appointments or more details, please contact Dar Al Shifa Medical Center at 16161616.

Visit: Times of Bahrain

06/01/2026

Kollam Pravasi Association Rings in 2026 with ‘Snehasangamam’ Celebration for Workers

Manama: The Budaiya Area Committee of the Kollam Pravasi Association (KPA) ushered in the New Year with warmth and solidarity by organizing ‘Snehasangamam 2026’, a heartfelt celebration with workers at a labor camp in Janabiya.

KPA President Anoj Master officially inaugurated the event, which was presided over by Budaiya Area President Vijo Vijayan, while Area Secretary Nizam delivered the welcome address. The keynote speech was presented by General Secretary Prashanth Prabuddhan.

Leaders including Vice President Koivila Mohammad Kunju, Secretary Anilkumar, Treasurer Manoj Jamal, Area Coordinator Jose Mangad, and Area Joint Secretary Prince G offered their felicitations. Area Treasurer Biju Daniel delivered the vote of thanks.

Members from the KPA Central Committee and District Committees were also present, joining hands in making the event a memorable one.

A large number of workers took part in the gathering, sharing moments of joy and camaraderie. The event concluded with New Year festivities and a traditional ‘Snehasadhya’ (grand feast), celebrating togetherness and the spirit of community.

Visit: Times of Bahrain

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