Manama: The National Guard today concluded the first Military Pace Sticking Competition, attended by Brigadier Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, Assistant for Operations and Training. The competition featured teams from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, alongside teams from the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) and the National Guard.
According to Bahrain News Agency, upon the arrival of Brigadier Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, the national anthem was played, followed by a recitation from the Holy Quran, a welcoming address, and a briefing on the stages of the competition. Military infantry movement displays were then presented by the National Guard team, after which awards and commemorative shields were presented to the teams that secured the top positions.
Brigadier Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa commended the success of the competition, which was organised by the National Guard under the directives of General His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, President of the National Guard, and followed up by Lieutenant General Shaikh Abdulaziz bin Saud Al Khalifa, National Guard Staff Director. He said the competition strengthened bonds among participating teams from GCC countries and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, while achieving its intended military objectives as a core element of specialised infantry training focused on precision and discipline.
During the awards ceremony, Brigadier Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa emphasised the continuation of the Military Pace Sticking Competition following the success of its first edition, expressing the intention to organise future editions with broader participation from military teams across GCC countries and other states.
Commanders of the participating teams expressed their appreciation to the President of the National Guard, the National Guard Staff Director, the Assistant for Operations and Training, as well as the organising and judging committees, for the warm reception and hospitality, and the spirit of fraternity experienced during their stay in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The team of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan won first place, followed by the team of the Sultanate of Oman in second place, and the team of the United Arab Emirates in third place.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Brigadier Shaikh Salman bin Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa posed for a commemorative photograph with the participating teams, congratulating them on their achievements.