photo: © Rashid Mutlaq
The recent Semi-Annual Congress in Rhodes, Greece, included exciting news on the membership front as the IIHF welcomed Bahrain as the 83rd member of the international hockey family.
The Bahrain Ice Hockey Federation was founded in 2009, but the game has been played in this country as far back as 1992, when a group of expats and Bahraini players came together to introduce and promote ice hockey within the local community.
“Since its inception, Bahrain Ice Hockey has served as a beacon of unity and sportsmanship, transcending cultural boundaries and bringing together individuals with a shared passion for the game,” said Malak Janahi of the federation. “Over the years, through dedication and perseverance, the sport has steadily gained traction."
The Bahrain Ice Hockey Federation was founded in 2009, but the game has been played in this country as far back as 1992, when a group of expats and Bahraini players came together to introduce and promote ice hockey within the local community.
“Since its inception, Bahrain Ice Hockey has served as a beacon of unity and sportsmanship, transcending cultural boundaries and bringing together individuals with a shared passion for the game,” said Malak Janahi of the federation. “Over the years, through dedication and perseverance, the sport has steadily gained traction."
photo: © Rashid Mutlaq
The Bahrain mission statement is simple but ambitious: “To provide positive values of good sportsmanship, teamwork, discipline, and responsibility through ice hockey. To develop and promote ice hockey in the Kingdom of Bahrain and introduce a new generation of athletes that can compete on the regional and international level.”
The nation’s vision includes establishing successful pro leagues for both men and women by 2028, as well as a full-size rink.
Currently there is a four-team Bahrain Ice Hockey League that includes the Bahrain Sharks, Muharraq Club, Manama Club, and Bahrain Ice Hockey Club (BIHC). Games are played in a 3x3 format with three periods of 15 minutes apiece, on a rink that measures 30m x 15m (98’ x 49’). Each team has eight to 10 players who are not only Bahraini nationals but also Canadian, American, Czech, Libyan, and Iraqi.
The nation’s vision includes establishing successful pro leagues for both men and women by 2028, as well as a full-size rink.
Currently there is a four-team Bahrain Ice Hockey League that includes the Bahrain Sharks, Muharraq Club, Manama Club, and Bahrain Ice Hockey Club (BIHC). Games are played in a 3x3 format with three periods of 15 minutes apiece, on a rink that measures 30m x 15m (98’ x 49’). Each team has eight to 10 players who are not only Bahraini nationals but also Canadian, American, Czech, Libyan, and Iraqi.
photo: © Rashid Mutlaq
In all, there are currently 58 male players and 15 female players in Bahrain.
“We have been steadfast in our efforts to elevate the profile of this sport within the community by focusing on increased media exposure and various promotional initiatives,” noted Abdulla AlQasimi, the president of the Bahrain Ice Hockey Federation. “Leveraging the immense reach of social media platforms, we have effectively disseminated information about ice hockey, capturing the attention of a broader audience."
Events like Formula 1 races and Bahrain Sports Day have also been used to introduce newcomers to hockey, giving them opportunities to get engaged and participate. Interest in hockey in Bahrain is rising.
All in all, these are exciting times in the international game as ice hockey continues to grow and reach a wider and more diverse audience.
“We have been steadfast in our efforts to elevate the profile of this sport within the community by focusing on increased media exposure and various promotional initiatives,” noted Abdulla AlQasimi, the president of the Bahrain Ice Hockey Federation. “Leveraging the immense reach of social media platforms, we have effectively disseminated information about ice hockey, capturing the attention of a broader audience."
Events like Formula 1 races and Bahrain Sports Day have also been used to introduce newcomers to hockey, giving them opportunities to get engaged and participate. Interest in hockey in Bahrain is rising.
All in all, these are exciting times in the international game as ice hockey continues to grow and reach a wider and more diverse audience.