Bahrain concludes WTT Youth Contender 2026

The WTT Youth Contender Manama 2026 officially drew to a close on January 17, marking a successful four-day showcase of international table tennis talent. Held in the capital from January 14, the event brought together 129 rising stars from 19 different nations, further cementing Bahrain’s status as a premier hub for global youth sports.

High-Profile Closing Ceremony

The final day was marked by the presence of key sporting dignitaries who celebrated the tournament's success:

• Dr. Abdulrahman Askar: CEO of the General Sports Authority (GSA).
• Shaikha Hayat bint Abdulaziz Al Khalifa: President of the Bahrain Table Tennis Association (BTTA) and the Arab Table Tennis Federation (ATTF).

Dr. Askar reiterated the GSA’s dedication to international competition, noting that these events are vital to the "Golden Generation" initiative. This strategic vision, led by HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, focuses on nurturing young athletes into future world champions.

Praise for Organization

Shaikha Hayat expressed her pride in the national staff, whose coordination earned praise from both the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and participating delegations. She extended her gratitude to the Bahrain Olympic Committee and the GSA for their unwavering support in delivering a seamless championship experience.

Bahraini Medal Count: A Proud Performance

Local athletes rose to the occasion, securing a total of six medals across various youth categories: