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Al Hawaj executives and dignitaries honoured the national football team for winning the Gulf Cup last week at an event held at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay.
The team, which won the Gulf Cup final 1-0 against Saudi Arabia on December 9, has received more than BD4 million in gifts from individuals and organisations across the kingdom.
Al Hawaj recognised the team’s contribution to the national spirit with gift hampers for each player.
Forward Thiago Augusto, who is originally from Brazil, said: “It has been great and unexpected seeing the positive reaction we have been getting from the public. It’s the first time in my life experiencing this level of support and appreciation from an entire country coming together.”
Bahrain received US$3 million alone (BD1.13 million) from the Gulf Cup’s organising committee – US$ 2 million was the grand prize for winning the tournament while the other US$ 1 million was for participating.
Bahrain Football Association president, Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said: “This achievement has been a historical moment for Bahrain and specifically for Bahrain Football. This has only been possible with the support of His Majesty the King and Shaikh Nasser, Representative of His Majesty for Charity Works and Youth Affairs and chairman of Supreme Council of Youth and Sports. Such an effort has been achieved with planning, patience and professionalism. We hope this is a turning point for our sport and we can step up the game at the World Cup qualifiers, which start in March and June 2020.”
