Sports Archives - PowerUp City

Bahrain Open 2026 Showcases Rising Stars on the ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour

Cy — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:14:40 +0000

“You don’t win big matches without first learning how to win the small ones.” —Serena Williams

The Bahrain Open on the ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour returned to Manama in January with a field that reflected exactly what a W75 tournament is meant to deliver, proven professionals, rising contenders, and qualifiers determined to turn opportunity into momentum.

Held at the Public Security Officers Club from Jan. 19 to 25, the outdoor hard-court event offered $60,000 in prize money and valuable ranking points early in the 2026 season. As one of the more competitive W75 stops on the calendar, the Bahrain Open once again proved why it remains a meaningful platform for players navigating the transition between ITF success and higher-level tours.

Qualifying Sets the Competitive Tone

Qualifying matches on Jan. 18 immediately signaled the depth of the field. Ekaterina Ovcharenko emerged as one of the standout performers, advancing through qualifying before carrying that form into the main draw. Rina Saigo and Ankita Raina also showed early composure, navigating tightly contested matches that tested endurance and consistency.

As is often the case at this level, qualifiers brought confidence and urgency into the main draw, traits that would trouble higher-ranked opponents as the week progressed.

Main Draw Brings Experience and Momentum

The opening rounds featured a mix of control and unpredictability. Alina Korneeva, one of the most closely watched young talents in the draw, made a strong start with a composed opening-round victory, showcasing clean ball-striking and court awareness beyond her years.

Experienced campaigners such as Fiona Ferro, Hanne Vandewinkel, Sofia Costoulas, Carole Monnet, and Jessika Ponchet added balance to the field, blending tactical discipline with the patience required on Manama’s outdoor hard courts. Several matches extended into deciding sets, underlining the competitive parity typical of W75 events.

Ovcharenko’s progression from qualifying into the main draw became one of the tournament’s early storylines, reinforcing how momentum can outweigh rankings at this level of competition.

Photos from Bahrain Tennis Federation

Matches Defined by Margins and Crowd Engagement

The court conditions favored baseline consistency and smart shot selection, with service games becoming increasingly important as matches tightened. Players who managed recovery well between rounds often found themselves better positioned late in matches, a recurring theme as the tournament moved deeper into the week.

For spectators, the balance between experienced professionals and emerging players created compelling matchups, where tactical maturity met athletic ambition.

The Bahrain Open’s compact venue allowed fans close access to the action, creating an engaged atmosphere that rewarded extended rallies and momentum swings. Local support was particularly noticeable during comeback efforts, adding energy to matches that stretched into third sets.

The setting continued to highlight the tournament’s appeal as both a competitive sporting event and a lifestyle fixture on Bahrain’s winter calendar.

Why the Bahrain Open Is a Key Tournament on the ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour

W75 tournaments occupy a critical space on the ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour. They provide enough ranking incentive to alter a player’s season trajectory while maintaining competitive balance across the draw. For players like Korneeva, Ferro, and Ovcharenko, performances in Manama can influence confidence and scheduling decisions well beyond January.

As the Bahrain Open moved toward its latter stages, the field narrowed to those combining discipline, fitness, and adaptability. Whether through controlled aggression or patient point construction, players who adjusted best to conditions separated themselves from the pack.

Once again, the Bahrain Open delivered a familiar ITF promise: high-quality competition, emerging narratives, and a glimpse at the players shaping the future of women’s tennis.

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Bahrain’s Drag Racing Legacy Roars Into a Defining Fourth Round

Cy — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 08:00:35 +0000

Long before winter nights at the Bahrain International Circuit filled with the echo of turbocharged engines and the sharp scent of burning rubber, drag racing in Bahrain was a niche pursuit, raw, mechanical, and driven largely by underground enthusiasm. Over the years, it has grown into one of the Kingdom’s most anticipated motorsport fixtures, combining international sanctioning with a deeply local following.

The Bahrain Drag Racing Championship, now a cornerstone of the circuit’s annual calendar, has evolved alongside Bahrain’s broader motorsport ambitions. What began as straightforward quarter-mile competition has transformed into a professionally structured, NHRA-sanctioned championship, attracting competitors from across the GCC and delivering a spectator experience that balances precision racing with pure adrenaline.

That evolution was on full display during Round 4 of the 2025–2026 Bahrain Drag Racing Championship, staged from Jan. 13 to Jan. 16 at Bahrain International Circuit.

From Local Passion to International Standard

Early drag racing meets in Bahrain were defined by raw speed and mechanical bravado. Today, the sport is shaped by discipline, data, and margins measured in thousandths of a second. Operating under the NHRA Worldwide Network, Bahrain’s drag strip follows international class structures and safety standards, placing local competition firmly within a global framework.

Across the four-day fourth round, that professionalism was evident from the opening qualifying runs. Cars and bikes were pushed hard early, as teams sought to secure favorable positions before the elimination stages intensified.

A throwback from 2019/2020 Bahrain Drag Racing Championship. Photo Courtesy of Bahrain News Agency

Four Days That Set the Tone

Round 4 unfolded as more than a single race weekend. Beginning on Jan. 13, the paddock filled with regional contenders balancing setup experimentation with championship strategy. By Jan. 14 and 15, qualifying and elimination rounds sharpened, with tighter reaction times and cleaner launches emerging as defining factors.

As cooler evening conditions settled in, performances became increasingly precise. Several classes saw late-round eliminations decided by minimal margins, reinforcing the importance of consistency rather than outright aggression.

By Jan. 16, the championship picture had grown clearer. Teams with reliable setups and disciplined execution emerged stronger, while others were left reassessing their approach ahead of the final round in March.

Photos from https://www.instagram.com/bah_int_circuit/

The Experience That Keeps Fans Coming Back

What continues to distinguish drag racing at BIC is its immediacy. Spectators stand close enough to feel the vibration of launches and hear gear changes without filters. The paddock remains accessible and conversational, where crew members exchange insights and fans observe the technical realities behind each run.

For those who have followed the championship across seasons, this fourth round felt pivotal. Early-season curiosity gave way to mid-season clarity, as contenders began separating themselves through composure and preparation rather than spectacle.

A Fixture That Has Grown Without Losing Its Edge

Drag racing in Bahrain has matured, but it has not lost its character. Engines are louder, standards stricter, and competition deeper but the appeal remains rooted in authenticity and access.

That balance explains why the Bahrain Drag Racing Championship continues to draw loyal crowds year after year. Whether attending a single night or following the full four-day progression, Round 4 reaffirmed why the event remains a highlight of Bahrain’s motorsport calendar.

As the season moves toward its conclusion, the stretch from Jan. 13 to 16 will be remembered as the point where momentum solidified and where Bahrain’s drag racing legacy once again proved its staying power.

“The appeal of drag racing here remains its closeness, nothing stands between the fan and the run.”

BDRC Fan

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Bahrain Football Association and Pakistan Football Federation Seal Strategic Partnership

Cy — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 09:14:52 +0000

Football diplomacy took a meaningful step forward in January 2026, as the Pakistan Football Federation and the Bahrain Football Association formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating football development across both nations.

Signed at the Bahrain Football Association headquarters in Riffa, the agreement signals bilateral cooperation and it reflects a shared vision for building sustainable football ecosystems rooted in technical excellence, governance, and opportunity.

The People Behind

The MoU was signed by His Excellency Sheikh Ali bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Bahrain Football Association Board of Director, and Syed Mohsin Gilani, President of the Pakistan Football Federation. The signing was attended by senior officials from both sides, underscoring the strategic importance of the partnership.

Their shared message was clear, football development today requires collaboration, knowledge exchange, and long-term commitment.

A Step Toward Long-Term Growth

At its core, the cooperation agreement focuses on capacity building and growth across multiple layers of the game:

Technical Development- Joint training camps, friendly matches, and exchanges for national teams and age-group squads

Administration & Governance- Workshops and programs to strengthen football management, legal frameworks, and federation operations

Refereeing & Officiating- Training and certification pathways to raise international standards

Women’s Football- Structured programs designed to grow participation, professionalism, and competitive pathways

Futsal Development- Supporting futsal as a complementary and accessible form of the sport

For Bahrain, the partnership reinforces its role as a regional football leader, exporting expertise built through years of investment in infrastructure, governance, and competition hosting. For Pakistan, the agreement comes at a pivotal moment, offering access to proven systems and international exposure as it continues to rebuild and expand its football ambitions.

More Than A Signature

What sets this MoU apart is its emphasis on implementation. The agreement is designed as a working framework, one that allows both federations to share operational expertise, align development strategies, and co-create programs that produce measurable results.

Bahrain’s experience hosting international tournaments and managing multi-level football operations offers a practical blueprint. Pakistan’s large talent pool and growing grassroots interest present fertile ground for long-term growth when paired with the right structures.

“This agreement reflects Bahrain’s commitment to sharing expertise and supporting football development beyond our borders.”

His Excellency Sheikh Ali bin Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa

“Working with the Bahrain Football Association gives us access to proven systems that will strengthen our national football structure.”

Syed Mohsin Gilani

Looking Ahead

The anticipated impact of this cooperation extends beyond friendly matches or short-term exchanges. It represents a step toward regional football integration, where expertise flows across borders and development is viewed as a shared responsibility.

As programs roll out in the months ahead, the agreement is expected to:

Strengthen competitive standards

Create new pathways for players, officials, and administrators

Elevate women’s football participation

Enhance Bahrain’s and Pakistan’s presence on the international football map

In a global game increasingly shaped by collaboration, the Bahrain–Pakistan football partnership stands as a reminder that progress is fastest when knowledge is shared and ambition is collective.

For both nations, this MoU marks a start of cooperation and the beginning of a future where football grows stronger on both sides of the pitch.

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Endurance Riding at the Heart of Bahrain’s National Day

Cy — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 07:49:45 +0000

“In endurance, victory is not just about crossing the line first, but finishing with strength, care, and control.”

National Day Endurance Ride Championship 2025

Every December, Bahrain’s National Day calendar comes alive with celebration, fireworks light up the sky, cultural performances fill public spaces, and sporting events take center stage, reflecting the Kingdom’s pride, heritage, and forward momentum. Among these festivities, one event stands apart for its quiet intensity and deep-rooted symbolism: the National Day Endurance Ride Championship.

Held as part of the Kingdom’s National Day celebrations, the 2025 championship once again affirmed why endurance riding holds a special place in Bahrain’s sporting identity. Beyond competition, the event is a tribute to resilience, discipline, and the historic bond between horse and rider, values that echo the spirit of the nation itself.

Riders and horses test stamina and strategy during the National Day Endurance Ride Championship 2025, a defining fixture of Bahrain’s National Day sporting calendar.

A Championship Rooted in Heritage

Taking place between December 18 and 20, 2025, at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir, the championship brought together elite riders, well-conditioned horses, and teams from Bahrain and beyond. Organized under the auspices of the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation, the event formed a key pillar of the National Day sporting program, aligning tradition with modern excellence.

Endurance riding is a test of strategy, stamina, and care, where riders must balance pace with the well-being of their horses across long desert distances. Mandatory veterinary checks, strict regulations, and technical oversight ensure that horsemanship and animal welfare remain at the heart of the sport.

Moments That Defined the 2025 Edition

The highlight of the championship was the 120-kilometre main race, which unfolded over demanding terrain and required exceptional physical and mental endurance from both horse and rider. The competition drew strong participation, with riders navigating the course under challenging conditions while maintaining composure and control.

The championship was marked by the presence of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, whose attendance underscored the importance of endurance sports within Bahrain’s national vision. His Highness praised the organizational standards and the level of competition, reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a regional hub for equestrian excellence.

At the conclusion of the championship, Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa emerged as the winner of the main race, followed by Aisha Badr Al Naqbi in second place and Isa Hameed Al Anezi in third. The podium reflected not only athletic achievement but also the collaborative spirit of teams and support crews who play an essential role behind the scenes.

Photos from https://nasser.bh/en

Endurance in Every Sense

The National Day Endurance Ride Championship is a reflection of Bahrain’s values, patience over haste, preparation over impulse, and respect over force. In a National Day season filled with spectacle, endurance riding offers a different kind of celebration, one that unfolds steadily, quietly, and with purpose.

As Bahrain continues to position itself on the global sporting map, events like this championship demonstrate how tradition and modern professionalism can coexist, honoring heritage while setting international standards.

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From Fighter to Founder – The Courage Behind Brave CF

PowerUp City — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 09:27:49 +0000

In this exclusive conversation with the Power Up City team, Mohammed Shahid speaks candidly about the evolution of Brave Combat Federation and the values that shaped its rise. He shares lessons drawn from his own journey. From his early struggles as a fighter to his mission of creating a global system that empowers athletes, Shahid’s story is one of vision, conviction, and transformation — both personal and professional.

Courageous Beginnings

In the early days of mixed martial arts in Bahrain, opportunity wasn’t handed to anyone easily. For Mohammed Shahid, that meant flying to Thailand just to find fights, learning from scratch, and teaching himself through every bout and bruised lesson.

“There were no competitions in the region,” Shahid recalls. “So I had to fly to Thailand to compete and it was not MMA, it was Muay Thai. It’s easier to get a weekly fight to gain knowledge. When I came back, I opened Bahrain’s first MMA gym and then started teaching and competing.”

His journey began from persistence.With limited resources, he trained, taught, and saved just enough to fund his next flight and had one fight at a time. What he didn’t realize then was that his pursuit would lay the foundation for something far bigger. The rise of a movement that would eventually make Bahrain a global name in combat sports.

“There's only one name we could give this organization. They said it has to be Brave. And there's nothing else.”

Mohammed Shahid

Brave or Reckless?

“There’s only one name we could give this organization. They said it has to be Brave. And there’s nothing else.”

Courage, Shahid says, is at the heart of everything he does but courage without preparation is disruption. “If you don’t have the opportunity, go find it and prepare for it,” he says. “That’s the difference between being brave and being reckless.”

That mindset shaped his path as a fighter and ignited his passion for the sport itself.

Shahid found an opportunity when he met His Highness Sheikh Khalid (bin Hamad Al Khalifa) at a Desert Force event in 2014. “He knows so much about Mixed Martial Arts, not as a fan, but he knows the inside out of the sport itself. That changed my mind.” His Highness raised a significant question for MMA in Bahrain at that time, “How can we give 200,000 athletes the same opportunities we gave to twenty?”

His Highness wanted to build a team with the purpose of “reforming the system to give fighters a structure, a lifestyle and a future.”

Despite knowing the obstacles that would come with it, Shahid took the challenge, “It’s not an easy task to create an organization. We know that it takes a lot, finance and everything else added to it.” In preparation, “We did our homework, we studied and went through the industry really well”. Shahid recalled, ”We didn’t know what the result would be. And I think everything came in together at the right time.”

True enough, since its founding in 2016, Brave Combat Federation has grown into one of the top MMA organizations in the world, hosting events across continents and building a global network that connects fighters, coaches, and communities.

Reaching Brave 100

This year marks a milestone for Brave Combat Federation — its 100th global event, set to unfold in Manama, Bahrain. For Shahid,it’s a celebration of growth and purpose fulfilled.

As Brave reached this landmark moment, Shahid reflected, “It started with a reform to change the system of Combat Sports and bring MMA into the sports business model where you have the franchises, you have the teams, you have a governing body to govern the whole industry.”

Never doubting this possibility, he is proud to see young Bahraini athletes carrying the confidence that didn’t exist then. “They look like they’re going to dominate every single athlete in front of them.” “ You can see a different aura in their energy now.”

Among the night’s must-watch bouts mirrors Bahrain’s own MMA journey, Hamza Kooheji’s title fight.

Fans are also buzzing about the long-awaited showdown between Mohammed Mokaev and Gerard Burns. This matchup is rich with rivalry, skill, and narrative. Mokaev, returning full circle to Brave after a perfect run, is fighting for the flyweight title in a division that has never crowned a champion in the organization’s history.

Consistent Community Contribution

While Brave grew on the world stage, Shahid and his team never lost sight of the community that built them. Over the years, Brave has supported different initiatives, including programs for children with special needs.

“One of the most beautiful things we did,” he recalls, “was during Combat Week, when we invited children with special needs to train alongside our national team. Their teachers said they saw real physical and emotional improvement.”

He smiles, recalling one young participant who pointed to a poster of His Highness Sheikh Khalid and said, ‘I want to fight him.’

What began as an innocent challenge turned into a heartwarming moment that captured the spirit of Brave. “His Highness sent a video saying, ‘I accept your challenge,’ and during the opening ceremony of the World Championship, that child walked into the cage and lived his dream,” Shahid says. “It was unforgettable.”

Inclusion doesn’t stop there. Shahid is also a firm believer that women belong at the center of MMA’s growth, as athletes, fans, and equal contributors to the sport’s global evolution.

“People often think MMA is a male sport,” he says. “But 47% of combat sports viewership comes from women, no other sport can say that.”

He points to icons like Ronda Rousey, who once rivaled Floyd Mayweather in pay-per-view sales and global impact, as proof that the sport offers true fairness. “In MMA, a woman can break the same records a man can. The fastest knockout, whether male or female, can happen in seconds. That’s equality of opportunity.”

Shahid agrees that MMA in Bahrain has grown and reached young athletes, women, or children with special needs, everyone.

Vision for the Youth

When asked for his message for the young generation. Shahid’s advice is firm,

“There’s no shortcut. Be committed, be consistent, have discipline, and put in the work,” he says. “Those values are the real victory.”

He points to Hamza Kooheji, Bahrain’s top MMA fighter, as proof of that principle. “Hamza said something that stuck with me, winning or losing the title doesn’t matter. What matters is that for ten years, nothing changed in his discipline. That’s his real success.”

"There’s no shortcut. Be committed, be consistent, have discipline, and put in the work. Those values are the real victory.”

Mohammed Shahid

Beyond the Octagon

Behind the structure and strategy, Mohammed Shahid remains, at heart, a lifelong athlete and a lover of sport in all its forms. His work with KHK Sports has exposed him to many sports, from e-sports and cricket to rowing but his heart is with football and MMA.

He laughs when asked how he balances them. “I’m involved in many sports as part of my job,” he says. “But from the heart? I would say that football is that high school girlfriend, and ‘wife’ is MMA now.”

Football, he explains, was his first love. It is the sport that shaped his sense of teamwork and competition. MMA, on the other hand, became a lifelong commitment. “When I miss a football match, it hurts,” he admits. “But when I’m at a Brave or UFC event, I don’t feel that — because I’m where I’m meant to be.”

It’s this blend of heart and discipline that defines Shahid’s personality, two sides of the same that drives excellence.

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BRAVE Combat Federation – Bahrain’s Gift to the World of MMA

PowerUp City — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 14:25:42 +0000

The Spark That Lit the Fire

In 2016, a bold new vision for global combat sports emerged from the Kingdom of Bahrain. With the support and vision of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth & Sports and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, BRAVE Combat Federation was established to transform mixed martial arts from a niche competition into a truly global sport. As the largest MMA promotion ever to emerge from the Middle East, BRAVE quickly became a force for unity, athletic excellence, and national pride.

From the outset, BRAVE Home | BRAVE Combat Federation aimed higher than just promoting fights. The organization’s mission is to create a worldwide sports media platform that unifies nations, honors competitive spirit, and elevates athletes to champion status. With the support of KHK MMA and the Bahrain Mixed Martial Arts Federation, BRAVE became a bridge between local talent and the global MMA stage.

The Spark That Lit the Fire

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Preserving the Pulse of a Nation – The Bahrain Heritage Sports Committee

PowerUp City — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 17:40:18 +0000

In a country known for its pearl-diving past, ancient souqs, and seafaring legacy, the Bahrain Heritage Sports Committee is working tirelessly to ensure that these traditions are more than just memories. Formed in 2018 by royal decree of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Committee is tasked with preserving, promoting, and evolving the Kingdom’s vibrant folk heritage through sport.

From camel races and falconry to pearl diving and traditional rowing, the Committee’s calendar of events is both a celebration and a living education. With Bahrain’s rapid modernisation, these initiatives remind younger generations of where their roots lie—while sharing Bahraini heritage with the world.

Mission & Vision

Under the guidance of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Committee’s mission is clear:

Preserve and promote folk sports and traditions locally and internationally

Transfer traditional knowledge and values between generations

Plan and govern participation standards for heritage sports

Expand access and engagement across all segments of Bahraini society

A Word from the Chairman

HE Mr. Khalifa bin Abdullah Al-Qaoud, Chairman of the Bahrain Heritage Sports Committee

“Heritage sports in the Kingdom of Bahrain have made qualitative leaps thanks to the royal patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, may God protect him, as His Majesty pays exceptional attention to these sports to bequeath them to future generations as part of a national plan aimed at preserving the Bahraini identity and national heritage. The insightful vision of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa has contributed to the consolidation of the values of popular heritage and sports among the Bahraini society in its various categories.”

Event Highlights

Each event organised by the Committee is more than sport—it’s a cultural showcase. Here’s a glimpse at the most exciting competitions:

Shadid Al Arab (The Arab Strength Challenge)

A wild heritage competition rooted in the desert traditions of the Arabian Peninsula. Participants race camels and horses, compete in falconry and archery, and throw the Qadan (a traditional stone). It’s a celebration of survival skills from the days when Bedouins moved through the desert in search of water and pasture.

Nasser Bin Hamad Falconry & Hunting Competition

One of the most prestigious events in the region, showcasing the deep-rooted cultural bond between Gulf societies and their birds of prey. Participants are judged on the skill and precision of their falcons, with hunting and traditional techniques forming the core of the event.

Marine Heritage Sports Season

Held along Bahrain’s coastline, this season revives centuries-old maritime traditions. Events include:

Open Water Swimming – Long-distance swims across traditional routes

Oyster Extraction Competition – Reenacting Bahrain’s historic pearl diving days

Inherited Cub Swimmer Contest – Junior swimmers compete in age-old techniques

Self-Mute Contest – A test of underwater endurance, mimicking traditional diving

Al-Naham Singing – A competition for traditional sea songs sung during pearl dives

Popular Rowing – Traditional rowboats and techniques take centre stage

Fishing Competition – Hook and line heritage fishing in a community-driven contest

Qadan Challenge

Taking place across the Holy Month, this family-friendly event revives the old games of Bahrain’s alleyways and playgrounds. Children and adults join in competitions like tug of war, sack races, and spinning top contests reminding everyone of simpler times, shared joy, and cultural values.

Valid – Ramadan TV Program

A Ramadan favourite, “Valid” is a TV competition that educates the public through interactive quizzes, cooking segments, traditional storytelling, and folklore-based games. It connects the digital generation with real roots.

A Cultural Legacy in Motion

The Bahrain Heritage Sports Committee is not simply organising events it is crafting a movement. With a full calendar of competitions and programs tailored to young and old, men and women, amateurs and experts, it is ensuring that Bahraini culture thrives not in a museum, but in the hands of its people.

For more information or to register for upcoming events, visit:

Email: mawroothbh@gmail.com

Tel: +973 6694 4744

Instagram: @mawroothbh

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The 3rd Asian Youth Games Bahrain Youth Asian Games

PowerUp City — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 23:59:43 +0000

A New Era for Youth Sport in the Kingdom

Bahrain is making history this October as it welcomes Asia’s next generation of sporting stars for the 3rd Asian Youth Games (AYG). From October 22 to 31, 2025, Manama will host over 2,000 young athletes from 45 countries, all coming together to compete, connect, and celebrate excellence on a truly international stage.

Why Bahrain?

This is more than just a sporting event it’s a statement. Bahrain is stepping confidently onto the global stage, showing the world what the Kingdom can achieve when vision, community, and ambition unite. After successfully stepping in when previous hosts were unable to deliver, Bahrain has set the benchmark for hospitality, modern infrastructure, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

First time in Bahrain: The Kingdom’s debut as AYG host is a point of national pride.

World-class venues: Brand new and upgraded facilities across Manama, including state-of-the-art arenas, athlete villages, and training centers.

Focus on sustainability: Bahrain’s commitment to eco-friendly operations has been recognized and praised by the Olympic Council of Asia.

The Games at a Glance

Fact	Detail
Dates	October 22–31, 2025
Host City	Manama, Bahrain
Athletes	2,000+ (ages 14–17)
Participating Countries	45
Sports	21 (including athletics, swimming, basketball, new disciplines like esports and martial arts)
Event Frequency	Every 4 years (since 2009)

More Than Medals: Unity, Culture, and Inspiration

The Asian Youth Games are about much more than winning gold. This is an opportunity for Bahrain to showcase its vibrant culture, its commitment to youth development, and its vision for the future. The event brings together not only athletes but coaches, fans, and volunteers from across Asia, building bridges of understanding and friendship that last a lifetime.

Expect a festival atmosphere in Manama opening and closing ceremonies, cultural showcases, and moments that will inspire the next generation of Bahraini and Asian youth.

Volunteer: Be Part of History

The Games are looking for energetic, committed volunteers from all walks of life. Whether you’re a student, professional, or simply passionate about sports, this is your chance to make a difference and gain experience on an international stage.

Volunteer roles include:

Event operations & logistics

Athlete & team services

Media & communications

Spectator and guest support

Requirements:

Minimum age: 18

Bahrain resident or expat

Positive attitude and willingness to help

Ready to be part of something big?

What This Means for Bahrain

Hosting the Asian Youth Games is a milestone in Bahrain’s Vision 2030 journey. It puts Bahrain on the map as a center for sport, culture, and youth empowerment—showcasing not just what the Kingdom can host, but what it can inspire.

For the athletes, it’s a chance to shine. For the Kingdom, it’s a moment to lead. For you, it’s an opportunity to be part of something historic.

Bahrain 2025—where youth, unity, and ambition come together.

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The Future Has Lifted Off – Volonaut’s Airbike Brings Star Wars Dreams Closer to Earth

PowerUp City — Sat, 12 Jul 2025 13:52:56 +0000

Polish startup Volonaut has pulled the curtain back on the Airbike, a jet-powered, single-seat “superbike for the skies” that hovers and flies at speeds up to 200 km/h (124 mph) — all without propellers. But is this the future of personal flight, or just a jet-fueled fantasy?

Learn more at volonaut.com or @Volonaut Instagram

Image credit: Volonaut

What We Know

Jet propulsion, no rotors: Volonaut claims a downthrust jet engine, not exposed propellers, offers smooth, 360° hovering.

Lightweight frame: Built with carbon fibre and 3Dprinted parts, the bike weighs ~7× less than a typical superbike.

Computer-assisted stability: A flight computer handles hover and balance, helping the rider stay upright.

Flight time: Reports suggest 15 to 20 minutes per session, though exact specs are still under wraps.

Prototype proof: Launch footage shows real flights through forest trails and open terrain.

The Star Wars Connection

Volonaut leans heavily into Star Wars visuals — the open air ride, speeder-like build, and bird’s-eye perspective speak directly to sci-fi fans. The lack of visible rotors enhances that futuristic look, making the Airbike seem lifted straight from Endor.

Where the Skepticism Comes In

Thrust and control: Experts are questioning how a single jet engine provides stable directional control at high speeds without visible aerodynamic components.

Safety and regulation: Being a full-size aircraft, it will likely require pilot licensing and fall under strict aviation rules.

Limited range, high cost: Flight duration is short, and while pricing hasn’t been announced, it’s expected to fall into the premium prototype category.

Final Take: Spectacle vs Reality

The Volonaut Airbike is undeniably bold—a clean-sheet prototype that edges us closer to personal flight. It’s lightweight, refined, and appears to fly effectively. But aviation fundamentals still matter.

Key gaps remain: detailed specs, airworthiness certification, battery performance, and accessibility. Until addressed, it remains an elite concept rather than a mass solution.

PowerCity Verdict

This is a teaser of the future, not a tool of the present. But it’s one that will get every sci-fi fan’s heart racing.

#PowerCityTech #Volonaut #Airbike #FlyingMotorbike #PersonalFlight #InnovationInMotion

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2026 MercedesMaybach SL 680 Monogram Series

PowerUp City — Sat, 12 Jul 2025 13:06:18 +0000

The 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series Tubli & Salmabad | Al Haddad Motors reimagines the roadster as a luxury performance statement, designed for those who see driving as an art form. Arriving soon in Bahrain, this limited edition open-top Maybach blends handcrafted excellence with expressive styling — and zero compromise on power.

Design & Customisation

Offered in two distinct visual identities — Red Ambience (MANUFAKTUR garnet red metallic) and White Ambience (MANUFAKTUR opalite white magno) — the SL 680 Monogram is a visual knockout.

Design highlights include:

Illuminated Maybach grille with engraved lettering

Contrasting bonnet with Maybach monogram pattern and a chrome standing star

21-inch five-hole forged wheels

Rose gold detailing in the headlamps

Black Maybach-pattern soft top

New Maybach-specific bumpers and diffusers

Inside, you’re greeted by full Nappa leather with custom Maybach stitching, ambient lighting, and beltlines detailed with the monogram pattern. The twin-screen cockpit includes a 12.3-inch digital cluster and 11.9-inch centre display, combining heritage with high-tech.

Powertrain Performance

The SL 680 Monogram Series is powered by a hand-built 4.0L V8 biturbo engine producing 577 hp and 800 Nm of torque. It accelerates from 0–100 km/h in approximately 4.1 seconds, delivered through 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Despite the power, it’s refined. The exhaust and drivetrain are tuned for comfort — not drama — and the ride remains composed thanks to rear-axle steering and adaptive suspension.

Ride & Handling

The chassis, shared with the standard SL but elevated with Maybach geometry and dampers, delivers balance. Rear-axle steering improves agility in tight turns while retaining long-distance cruising comfort.

This isn’t an AMG bruiser — it’s a composed cruiser meant for coastal drives and grand arrivals.

Comfort & Exclusivity

From the rose-gold trims to the monogram-pattered backrests, this Maybach is about detail. Everything is crafted for the occupants, including:

Heated and ventilated full-leather seats

Advanced climate and AirScarf neck warmers

Bespoke materials and hand-finished trim

The two-seat layout makes a bold design statement, prioritising luxury and personal space over practicality.

Practicality & Efficiency

Performance and presence come at a cost:

Fuel consumption: ~13.6 L/100 km

CO₂ emissions: ~309 g/km

Boot space: Minimal

Price: Estimated at over 220,000BHD

This isn’t a daily driver — and that’s entirely the point.

Summary Ratings

Category	Rating
Design & Craftsmanship	★★★★★
Performance & Handling	★★★★☆
Comfort & Luxury Feel	★★★★★
Technology & Integration	★★★★☆
Practicality & Efficiency	★★★★☆

Overall Score: 4.7 / 5

Verdict

The 2026 Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series is a luxury collectible on wheels — designed for the few, built for the spotlight. It doesn’t chase trends; it sets them. If you live in Bahrain and want an open-top icon that says as much about you as it does about Mercedes-Maybach, this is it.

Visit Mercedes Benz Dealer | Tubli & Salmabad | Al Haddad Motors Mercedes Benz in Bahrain for further information

A rarefied blend of elegance, power, and personality — for those who drive art. #PowerCityCarReview #MaybachSL680 #LuxuryInMotion #BahrainAuto #MonogramSeries

The post 2026 MercedesMaybach SL 680 Monogram Series appeared first on PowerUp City.

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2026 MercedesMaybach SL 680 Monogram Series

Design & Customisation

Powertrain Performance

Ride & Handling

Comfort & Exclusivity

Practicality & Efficiency

Summary Ratings

Verdict

A rarefied blend of elegance, power, and personality — for those who drive art. #PowerCityCarReview #MaybachSL680 #LuxuryInMotion #BahrainAuto #MonogramSeries

2026 MercedesMaybach SL 680 Monogram Series