Bahrain's Best-Ever Olympic Squad Aims for Historic Success in Paris

Bahrain Olympic chiefs are optimistic about their best team ever set to compete in Paris. The Gulf nation has high expectations for its athletics contingent and hopes for its first-ever medal outside of track and field events. Noteworthy athletes include world champion wrestler Akhmed Tazhudinov and steeplechase favorite Winfred Yavi.

Bahrain is gearing up to send what officials call their strongest Olympic team yet to Paris, with particularly high hopes for a breakthrough beyond track and field. The delegation includes 14 athletes, eight of whom are runners, many not originally from Bahrain.

According to National Olympic Committee Vice-President Sheikh Issa bin Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, the team is poised to outperform past achievements, drawing optimism from their recent success in the Asian Games, where Bahrain won 12 gold medals.

Bahrain's Olympic history has thus far been tied to athletics, highlighted by champions Maryam Yusuf Jamal and Ruth Jebet. This time, the spotlight is also on grappler Akhmed Tazhudinov and steeplechase runner Winfred Yavi, who hold significant promise for medal wins.

(With inputs from agencies.)