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Teen mixed martial artist (MMA) Saud Salman is having a knockout year as he adds another medal to his combating career and aims to continue bringing pride to the kingdom.
The 13-year-old fighter from Muharraq competed in the 31kg C category in the International MMA Federation’s 2022 Youth MMA World Championships held in the UAE, taking on athletes from Ireland, Tajikistan and Armenia.
The youngster, who started training in the fast-paced sport three years ago, had competed in the same event last year and nabbed a bronze. This time, he battled in five fights and brought home a silver.
“I’m proud that I won this silver medal for my country Bahrain,” said Salman, who attends Al Hidd Secondary School.
“I will continue training and bring medals to my country and I will be a professional fighter in the future just like Bahrain’s pride Hamza Al Kooheji.”
His future in the sport looks bright as he trains with top-notch coaches and experts such as Eldar Eldarov, Alaa Alroghani, Yousif Al Kooheji and Ahmed Saleh.
Bahrain Mixed Martial Arts Federation president Mohammed A Qamber and the team are proud of Salman’s accomplishment.
“We had six fighters competing in this championship and we are proud of Saud’s achievement,” said Qamber who returned to Bahrain with Salman on Sunday night.
“This victory has added to Bahrain’s record as the best MMA team in the world! Also, I would like to thank Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, first deputy chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, chairman of the General Sports Authority and president of Bahrain Olympic Committee for his continuous support, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for the instant follow-up.”
For details, @bahrainmma_fed on Instagram.
