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200 FilsMonday, August 28, 2017 Issue No. 7487

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Superbwin forGiving

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McGregorthrills localfans

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Bahrain congratulates Iraq on Tal Afar liberationManama

Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed

its sincere congratulations to Iraqi government and its people on the liberation of Tal Afar from the grip of Daesh, highlighting the determination of the Iraqi government and armed forces led by Prime Minister Dr. Haider Al-Abadi. The Ministry reaffirmed Bahrain’s support for Iraq against violence, extremism and terrorism, backing its actions to eliminate terror outfits and establish peace.

Today’s WeatherMax Min

40°C 31°C

@SenSanders

Our thoughts are with people in Houston and throughout Texas who are struggling with the devas-tating flooding brought by Hurricane Harvey.

HoustonbattlesHarvey

8P 06

DT News [email protected]

Manama

Capital General Secretariat (formerly municipality)

has announced that 110 abandoned vehicles that were removed from the Capital Governorate would be sold off in public auction if their

owners fail to pay up the fines and collect the vehicles before the end of this month.

“The vehicles were removed (from the Capital Governorate) in accordance with the provisions of Article 14 of the Public Road Occupancy Law issued by Decree 2 of 1996 and its Executive Regulations,” the

secretariat said.It said in a statement issued

recently that the owners of the vehicles should receive them before August 30.

“Owners should visit the Cleaning Department at the secretariat’s offices near the Comprehensive Municipal Center in Tubli, after completing the necessary

financial and administrative requirements.

The owners should present the necessary documents to prove ownership of the vehicles, otherwise, the secretariat will sell it at the public auction,” the secretariat mentioned in its statement, adding that the amount collected from the sale of the

vehicles will be added to the funds of the secretariat.

The secretariat periodically announces that it has removed abandoned vehicles in residential and commercial areas. This is part of the procedures of Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry in all governorates.


Manama

The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism

(MOICT) will take strict action against business entities indulging in forgery after it detected the forged picture of a signboard submitted to its Supervision Department through Sijilat website.

The forgery was detected when a businessman applied to rectify an address violation

through the Sijilat system. He submitted fake pictures of a signboard to rectify the violation while electronically paying the fine for violation.

Experts at the Companies Supervision Department in the MOICT, who are tasked to authenticate the electronic applications, doubted the man’s application and assigned field inspectors to visit the location and confirm whether the violation is rectified.

“The man faked the pictures using photoshop image editing

software and submitted them online through the Ministry’s Sijilat electronic system. When the inspectors visited the location of the shop, they discovered that the pictures submitted did not match the reality,” the Ministry said in a statement issued here yesterday.

The establishment will face legal action for forging formal documents using “photoshop” image editing software, the MOICT said.

The MOICT also said that it has taken administrative and legal procedures and referred the matter to the Public Prosecution, accusing

the man of counterfeiting and submission of forged documents.

“The Ministry confirms that it is continually auditing the documents submitted through the Sijilat system and that it will not hesitate to take legal action against anyone who proves the submission of forged documents to the ministry,” the Ministry added.

The Ministry periodically refers violators to the judiciary.Seven establishments were prosecuted in July for similar reasons.

MOICT to take strict action against forgery

Unclaimed vehiclesto be auctioned

The Ministry’s announcement fol-lows detection of a forged docu-

ment submitted by a businessman

2 Monday, August 28, 2017

Superbwin forGiving

DT News NetworkManama

Team Giving defeated Team Determination 3-0 in the

latest matches of the Girls’ competition of the Fifth Khalid bin Hamad Futsal League for Youth Centres, People with Disabilities and Girls (Khalid 5) at the Khalifa Sports City Hall in Isa Town.

Team Determination also lost their second match of the day, going down 3-0 to Team Insistence, while the last match of the preliminary stage saw Team Insistence defeat Team Giving 4-0 in a breathtaking game.

The organising committee announced the four teams qualifying for the semi-finals are Team Will, Team Hope, Team Insistence and Team Giving.

Three players were honoured by the organising committee for their good performance in the matches. The honoured players were Julia from Team Giving, Hessa Riyadh from Team Determination and Team Insistence goalkeeper Huda Mohammed.

The latest dignitaries attending the matches were, Nayla Al Meer, Member of Bahrain Weightlifting Federation Board of Directors, Maria Khoury, Member of the National Institution for Human Rights and Dr. Jameela Al-Sammak, who also met with the organising committee and visited the photo gallery organised on the sidelines of the league and Adel Al Assoomy, Member of the House of Representatives.

T h i s tournament is being p l a y e d under the patronage

of HH S h a i k h

Khal id b i n

Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and Honorary President of Bahrain Sports Federation for Disabilities and organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs and the Media Office of Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad

Al Khalifa, under the slogan #Generations_Meeting.

It started on July 24 and continues until September 14 and features 59 teams, divided into 36 youth centres teams, 9 unregistered clubs, 8 teams of people with disabilities institutions and 6 girls teams.

Team Giving - Team D e t e r m i n a t i o n match action

Team Insistence - Team Determination match

Al Meer, Khoury and Al Sammak visiting the league photo gallery

Julia, player of the match action

Team Insistence Goalkeeper Huda Mohammed, player of the match

Team Insistence players celebrating

Team Insistence - Team Giving match action

3Monday, August 28, 2017


Manama

Additional veterinarians and assistants have

been assigned to supervise public abattoirs during the approaching Eid Al Adha holidays, as the demand increases for livestock slaughter.

Agriculture and Marine Resources Affairs in Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry announced in a statement issued here yesterday that a team consisting of 20 vets and 12 veterinary technicians have been tasked to supervise the 10 public abattoirs in

the Kingdom, as part of the Ministry’s preparations for the Eid Al Adha season.

“This comes within the ministry’s preparations for Eid Al Adha and in accordance with the best health standards.

The demand for slaughtered cattle and fresh meat increases during this time of the year. The ministry seeks meeting public demands and to preserve public health in the Kingdom,” the Ministry

said in a statement. “The specialised veterinary teams were provided to carry out the accurate tests and ensure the safety of the slaughtered animals. Animal Health and Control Department has

suspended all veterinarians’ vacations and formed an emergency team to cover all working hours. Unlicensed random abattoirs should be avoided, considering the health hazards they have on

the public health. The public must be aware of the dangers of slaughtering outside the approved abattoirs for public health and safety. There are inspection committees working in cooperation with Health Ministry to inspect local meat markets to ensure that the official slaughter seals are on the displayed meat. Violators will face legal accountability,” the ministry added in the statement.

According to the ministry, the approved slaughterhouses are: Hamala Abattoir and the five temporary abattoirs in its vicinity, Al Reem Company Abattoir, Muharraq Abattoir and the two mobile abattoirs in Riffa.

20 additional vets to monitor public abattoirs during Eid

Hamala slaughterhouse (file photos)


Kingdom keen on raisingliving standards: PremierManama

Nothing could distract the Kingdom from achieving

the aspirations of citizens “for better-living standards and growth”, said His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday.

The Premier also stressed that hard work, accomplishment and countering challenges with determination will remain the characteristic features of the current phase.

HRH the Premier was speaking as he received intellectuals, businessmen and citizens yesterday at the Gudaibiya Palace.

The Prime Minister discussed with them local issues as well as regional and international developments, stressing that the Royal Directives to boost citizens’

welfare are the government’s approach to cater for citizens’ aspirations.

Underlining government’s keenness to reach out to the needs of the citizens of

Bahrain, the Premier said that the government is looking forward to further improve the quality of health services in the Kingdom by setting up health centres and hospitals with

cutting edge technologies. The Premier also emphasised

government’s efforts to promote the Kingdom’s tourism sector and hailed the efforts of Saudi Arabia, under

the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in serving pilgrims and facilitating performance of the Hajj rituals.

UOB join hands with MicrosoftDT News NetworkManama

The University of Bahrain (UOB) yesterday

announced the signing of an agreement with Microsoft to help Bahrain establish itself as a major regional Fintech player and attract overseas investment as a startup hub.

Commenting on the deal, Professor, Riyad Yousif Hamzah, President of the University of Bahrain, said, “Microsoft Certified courses will be integrated into the university’s newly revamped orientation programme, which starts in September.”

The deal was signed by Professor Riyad Yousif Hamzah and Sharif Tawfiq General Manager of Microsoft

Bahrain and Oman. Professor Riyad explained

that the deal allows students to earn Microsoft certification while studying English and math. The programme over

two semesters is expected to enhance students’ academic and professional development.

“The certifications will help equip students with 21st-century skills to be

market ready and increase their prospects with future employers,” he added

Highlighting the importance of digital transformation in Bahrain’s highly competitive service sector Professor Riyad said: “As Bahrain establishes itself as a major regional player in Fintech and attracting overseas investment as a startup hub, UOB must be central to this growth through leveraging our talent and developing high-quality skilled graduates”.

Commenting on the deal, Sharif Tawfiq stressed that the MoU is another example of Microsoft’s joint success with UoB, “not only benefitting the university but Bahrain’s economy and its society as a whole”.

Professor Riyad Yousif Hamzah, President of University of Bahrain and Sharif Tawfiq General Manager of Microsoft Bahrain and Oman sign the MoU

3000 students to get Microsoft certification annually

Adventurous journey for students of ‘Ithra’ programmeManama

Six students from Al Mabarrah Al Khalifia

Foundation’s ‘Ithra’ training programme participated in the “Adventurous Journeys”

organised by El Hassan Youth Award in Jordan. The six-day programme was held from 14 to 19 August 2017.

During the trip, students participated in a series of

challenges that required physical effort, as well as enhanced communication skills.

The programme included visits to an automobile museum

and other archaeological sites such as the Roman Theater, Amman Citadel, the ancient city of Petra, Ajloun Castle and the Dead Sea.

Students also completed a demanding journey through mountain climbing and touring the Wadi Rum desert.

Providing this unique opportunity to ‘Ithra’ students comes as part of MKF’s strategy to encourage the spirit of adventure and discovery, in addition to the development of their sense of independence

and confidence.El Hassan Youth Award

scheme was founded in 1984. Initially a pilot scheme in the Amman Baccalaureate School,

the El Hassan Youth Award was inspired by the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, which was established in the United Kingdom in 1956.

Market supplies sufficient for Eid

NIHR opens free hotline service

Manama

Bahrain has imported 55,000 tons of fruit and vegetables

to meet the soaring demand during the Eid Al-Adha, which falls on September 1.

Undersecretary for Agriculture and Marine Resources Shaikh Khalifa bin Isa Al-Khalifa said that all facilities had been provided for importers to supply the local market, avert any shortage and maintain price stability.

He also said that more than 80 companies supply the local market with fruits and vegetables from 70 countries.

Citing updates figures, he said that the domestic agricultural products yielded by more than 900 farms have covered 25% of the local needs as part of a four-year-strategy to boost Bahrain’s agricultural output.

Manama

The National Institution for Human Rights (NIHR)

yesterday announced a free hotline number 80001144 to receive complaints and queries.

NIHR Acting Secretary General Dr. Khalifa Ali Al Fadhel said the service is part of the institution’s keenness to upgrade its communication mechanisms to ensure utmost protection of human rights.

He called on all to lodge any complaint with the institution by calling the hotline throughout the week, except on Fridays and Saturdays, from 8 a.m to 3 p.m.

It is also possible to communicate with NIHR via its website or social media (Instagram, Twitter) to reply to any complaints or related queries.

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa during a meeting held at the Gudaibiya Palace, yesterday

Students during a group photo session Students during the visit

5Monday, August 28, 2017


Manama

MMA Champion Conor McGregor could not

take home a victory yesterday, but his fans in Bahrain were thrilled to see his breathtaking performance against boxer Floyd Mayweather.

The historic match was one of the most anticipated in boxing history.

The match delivered the promise, giving fans exactly what they were expecting.

MMA is hugely popular in Bahrain, growing exceptionally fast, partly thanks to the initiatives of The Supreme Council for Youth and Sports First Deputy Chairman, Bahrain Athletic Federation President and KHK MMA Organisation Founder HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa’s initiatives.

MMA student Tanvir Shaikh

said that he is not surprised by the result.

“It went exactly how I expected it to. I knew that only McGregor would win if he could finish the match within the first few rounds because if Mayweather stretches the fight he would have the upper hand because of his vast experience in boxing,” Tanvir said.

“Conor transitioned from MMA to boxing and it’s not easy to take home a win in the very first match as the rules are different from MMA,” Tanvir said.

“The duration of the match is also different which means the things like stamina and strategy comes into play. Despite all of this, Conor put in a great performance and the statistics speak for itself,” Tanvir said.

“He outperformed Manny Pacquiao’s statistics against Mayweather. I am happy with the performance of McGregor,

it was an interesting and unique match,” he said.

“I think if he had more time

to prepare and practice boxing, he would have fared better,” Tanvir said.

“We were not expecting McGregor to win, he was the underdog in this fight because

of his inexperience in boxing. But he did what we expected him to by giving it his all, “ said Ishaq Ahmed.

Member of the KHK MMA Ametuer team Hussain Mahdi said that despite being an MMA fighter himself he was rooting for Mayweather to win.

“Mayweather has so much experience and is a champion in the sport of boxing so he was expected to win. Regardless of this, McGregor put on a great show. He stepped up and took a chance, most people cannot do this and this is something I respect about him,” he said.

Another MMA fan Hussain Ali said that McGregor surpassed expectations by lasting ten rounds.

“It was a thrilling match, McGregor did not disappoint his fans, he made them proud by enduring that long in his debut match against such a strong opponent,” he said.

McGregor thrills local fans

Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. (R) punches mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor during their fight at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, yesterday

AGU Alumni Association launches Smart App for graduate studentsDT News NetworkManama

The Arabian Gulf University (AGU) Alumni

Association has launched its smart application for university graduates, concurrent with the upcoming 2017-2018 academic year.

The application for mobile phones and smart devices aims to innovate means of communication with graduates which are up-to-date with the technological transformation based on smart applications.

The inclusion of this new application to the services provided to AGU’s graduates by the Alumni Association represents a qualitative addition and a new stage in means of communication with students across countries, stated Dr. Abdulrahman Yousif Ismail, Dean of Student Affairs.

Compatible with Apple iOS and Google Android systems, the application aims to enhance

communication with graduates and to unite them under the umbrella of the Gulf.

Since the launch of the Alumni Association in its new format, other social media channels via Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn have

garnered popular interaction by graduates over the past few months. This indicates their keenness to maintain a close relationship with the university and their fellow graduates from their varying workplace locations.

Expatriate worker found deadDT News NetworkManama

An Asian expatriate was found dead at his

residence in Riffa on Saturday.The deceased was identified

as Harwinder Singh who worked as an automobile mechanic for Al Moayyed Motors Co. and lived along with his brother in the Kingdom.

Harwinder was found dead in the washroom early morning.

“We called up the hospital. The paramedic’s team declared that he was no more,” said a resident.

“The reason for his death is still unknown. As soon as the legalities are over the body will be repatriated to the home country soon,” he added

Dr. Abdulrahman Yousif Ismail

Harwinder Singh


Houston

Tropical Storm Harvey unleashed catastrophic flooding in Houston

yesterday, turning streets in Texas’ largest city into raging rivers as trapped residents climbed to higher floors and the death toll rose.

Monster storm Harvey unleashed catastrophic flooding in Houston Sunday, turning streets in the largest city in Texas into raging rivers as trapped residents climbed to higher floors and the death toll crept up to at least three.

Overwhelmed emergency services warned residents to head for high ground or climb onto rooftops -- not into attics -- so they could be seen by rescue helicopters.

“It is bad and growing worse,” said Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who added that the storm -- a huge hurricane that first crashed ashore on the Gulf Coast late Friday -- had inflicted billions of dollars in damage.

US President Donald Trump, who was spending the weekend at the

Camp David presidential retreat, said he would visit the Lone Star State as soon as he could do so “without causing disruption.”

“The focus must be on life and safety,” he said in a series of tweets about the disaster, his first major domestic challenge since taking office in January.

At least three people have died since Harvey made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane, spawning tornadoes and lashing east and central Texas with torrential rains.

In Houston, a woman drowned when she left a car which had stalled in high water, city mayor Sylvester Turner said. Another man was found dead in a flooded Wal-Mart parking lot in Galveston, officials confirmed.

Local officials said Saturday that one person was killed when a house caught fire in the Rockport area, where Harvey made landfall with sustained winds of 130 miles (215 kilometers) per hour.

“This event is unprecedented &

all impacts are unknown & beyond anything experienced. Follow orders from officials to ensure safety,” the National Weather Service said on Twitter. Rain measured in feet

The National Weather Service said about two feet (60 centimeters) of rain fell in Houston and nearby Galveston in a 24-hour period.

“If the highest floor of your home becomes dangerous ... get on the roof!” Houston’s emergency management agency warned in a bulletin.

Flooding was expected to worsen as the most powerful storm to hit the United States mainland since 2005 lingers over the area.

“This appears to be either the worst or one of the worst floods Houston has ever had. We are measuring it not in inches but in feet,” Abbott told CBS’s “Face the Nation” show.

Harvey slowly weakened as it advanced, but it had the power to rip

off roofs, flip mobile homes and leave hundreds of thousands of people in the dark on the Gulf Coast, home to some of the country’s most important oil refineries.

Hobby International, one of Houston’s two airports, announced that all flights were canceled “due to standing water on runways,” while George Bush International was operating at limited capacity.

The city’s Ben Taub hospital was being evacuated after basement flooding caused power problems, local officials said.

Abbott said National Guard troops were deployed overnight in Houston, using high-clearance vehicles to help with rescues in inundated areas of the city of 2.3 million. Boats and helicopters also were being deployed.

The Coast Guard has so far rescued at least 100 people from the air.

Search and rescue operations were also underway in devastated coastal communities including Rockport, Aransas Pass, Port Aransas

and Corpus Christi, a city of some 325,000 people, Abbott said.

In Victoria, a town just north of Rockport, residents were shocked by the storm’s intensity.

“If I knew it was going to be what it came to be, I might have left sooner,” local resident Robby Villa told AFP.Oil industry prepared

Coastal Texas is a fast-growing area, with some 1.5 million people moving into the region since 1999. It is also home to a large number of oil refineries and a number of major ports. US authorities said about 22 percent of crude production in the Gulf of Mexico, accounting for more than 375,000 barrels a day, was shut down as of Friday.

But Abbott said the oil industry was well prepared. “They hunkered down and were able to contain the facilities, and they have the ability to ratchet up back up there quickly,” he said on Fox News Sunday, predicting a “one- or two-week downturn.”

HoustonbattlesHarvey

A member of the Texas Task Force 2 search and rescue team works through a destroyed apartment complex

A military truck navigates along Interstate 10 which has been inundated with flooding from Hurricane Harvey

People walk through flooded streets

Monday, August 28, 2017 7

Beirut

Lebanese authorities yesterday located the remains of eight

people they believe to be soldiers kidnapped three years ago by the Islamic State group along the restive eastern border with Syria.

The announcement came hours after the army declared a pause in its nine-day assault on IS in exchange for information on the missing soldiers.

Head of the General Security agency Major General Abbas Ibrahim said IS fighters who had surrendered led his agency and the Lebanese army to the remains.

“We have removed the remains of six bodies. We are expecting the number to go up to eight,” he told reporters gathered in downtown Beirut.

“We believe that these remains belong to the soldiers.”

The army later released a statement saying the remains of eight bodies had been retrieved from the Jurud Arsal mountainous border area with Syria and taken to a military hospital for DNA testing.

The troops were among 30 soldiers and police kidnapped by IS and Al-Qaeda’s former Syrian affiliate when they overran the Lebanese border town of Arsal in August 2014.

Four were killed by their captors

and a fifth died of his wounds while 16 were released in a prisoner swap in December 2015 that was also overseen by Ibrahim.

Nine troops remained missing, but on Sunday Ibrahim spoke only of

eight bodies and said he was “almost certain that the case is closed”.

He spoke to reporters after informing the families of the missing soldiers of the latest developments.

The families had gathered for hours in downtown Beirut amid blistering heat to await news of their loved ones.

They sat in tents they had pitched three years ago during protests to pressure the government to find the troops.

The army had said the missing soldiers were its “top concern”, as it launched an offensive earlier this month against an estimated 600 IS jihadists in the border region.

Before Sunday’s ceasefire, the army had squeezed IS into 20 square kilometres out of 120 held by the jihadists in the mountainous region of Jurud Ras Baalbek and Jurud al-Qaa, near the Syrian border.

Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which had simultaneously launched its own assault against IS from the Syrian side of the border, also declared a ceasefire on Sunday.

Jerusalem

Palestinian officials are embarking on a project to transform a

presidential palace into a national library near the city of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank, the culture minister said yesterday.

President Mahmud Abbas and his cash-strapped administration had faced questions over the construction of the $17.5 million palace, which was initially intended as a presidential headquarters and location where foreign dignitaries could be received.

Abbas has now decided to transform the 4,700-square-metre complex into a Palestinian national library, culture minister Ehab Bessaiso said.

The complex sits on some 27,000 square metres of land. “The president believes the palace should be used for public benefit by turning it into a huge national library supervised by a board of trustees,” said Mohammed Shtayyeh, head of the Palestinian Economic Council for Development and Reconstruction (PECDAR).

Construction on the palace in the village of Surda began some five years ago and is largely complete, but it was not clear how long it would take to create the library. Its construction was paid for by the Palestinian finance ministry and PECDAR, an institution that handles donor funds.

Palestinians to turn presidentialpalace into libraryLebanon finds suspected

remains of IS held troops

Gross insurance premium 175,110 226,712Insurance premium ceded to reinsurers (44,743) (89,700)Net earned premium 130,367 137,012 Underwriting expenses Gross claims incurred (68,652) (121,929)Reinsurers’ share of claims 7,348 50,109 Net claims incurred (61,304) (71,820) Commission incurred (26,269) (28,802)Commission income on ceded insurance 4,341 7,077 Net commission incurred (21,928) (21,725) Underwriting profit 47,135 43,467 General and administrative expenses (30,061) (27,524)Net underwriting profit 17,074 15,943 Investment Income - net 3,902 2,508 Distribution of surplus to policy holders from insurance operations (650) (769)Profit for the year before tax 20,326 17,682 Income tax and deferred tax (1,234) (1,025)Profit for the year 19,092 16,657 Attributable to: Equity holders of the Parent 13,607 10,948 Non-controlling interests 5,485 5,709 19,092 16,657

Condensed Consolidated Interim statement of financial positionas at 30 June 2017

Condensed consolidated interim statement of profit or loss For the six months period ended 30 June 2017 (Reviewed)

30 June 2017US$ ‘000 (Reviewed)

For the six month period ended 30 June 2017

US$ ‘000

(Audited)31 December 2016

US$ ‘000 (Audited)For the six month

period ended30 June 2016

US$ ‘000

A copy of the Financials would be available at the Registered office of the company. Office no: 21, Building 662, Road No 2811, Block No 428, PO Box No. 11871, Manama, Bahrain

Director Managing Director

Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance (Middle East) B.S.C. (c)

ASSETS Property and equipment 1,516 1,659 Intangible assets 2,012 2,147 Goodwill 40,125 40,125 Available for sale investments 47,070 53,701 Investments at fair value through profit or loss 86 93 Held to maturity investments 5,349 227 Deferred acquisition costs 26,290 21,076 Reinsurers’ share of unearned premiums 33,586 37,489 Reinsurers’ share of outstanding claims 34,440 43,829 Receivables arising from insurance and reinsurance contracts 96,960 76,528 Other receivables and prepayments 15,515 12,999 Deferred tax asset 181 181 Bank balances, cash and restricted deposits 342,654 335,040 Total assets 645,784 625,094 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities Unearned premiums 153,860 148,980 Outstanding claims 124,172 130,967 Reinsurance payable 39,966 38,176 Other liabilities and provisions 54,602 48,851 Employees’ end-of-service indemnity 8,495 8,356 Total liabilities 381,095 375,330 Capital and reserves Share capital 54,312 54,312 Statutory reserve 17,859 17,859 Contingency reserve 17,174 17,174 Restricted reserve 825 825 Asset revaluation reserve 196 196 Available for sale investments reserve (88) (82)Retained earnings 96,562 86,348 Equity Attributable to equity holders of the Parent 186,840 176,632 Non-controlling interests 77,849 73,132 Total equity 264,689 249,764 Total liabilities and equity 645,784 625,094

A Lebanese Red Cross ambulance carrying human remains drive through the city of Baalbek

getting a rapid makeover

BUSINESS8 Monday, August 28, 2017

Artists taking part in the “Ouzville” project have painted walls in brilliant blues, reds, yellows and greens, adorning others with enor-mous murals, doodles, and cartoon characters. The project is a breath of fresh air for Ouzai, a rundown and largely informal neigh-

bourhood on the Mediterranean coast south of Beirut.

Bahrain’s industrial landscapeManama

The Industrial Areas Development Directorate

part of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism is, with the support of GCC Funds, in the process of implementing a major project aiming to improve and develop the infrastructure of Salman Industrial City, formerly known as Al-Hidd Industrial Area.

The project, according to Director of Industrial Areas Development Directorate, Khaled Salman Al Qasimi, has commenced and is in the process of carrying out the first stage of the road network development. This will be followed by further road development and infrastructure as well as street lighting projects in 2018. Besides, the capacity of the Hidd Sewage Treatment Plant will be upgraded from 2,325 m3 / day to 6,500 m3 / day with a target completion date of late 2020.

“The focus is on bringing added value projects with good quality jobs to further support the national economy, by providing high-quality facilities and services to industrial investors,” added Al Qasimi.

In this regard, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, represented by the Industrial Areas Development

Directorate, continuously seeks to develop infrastructure in industrial areas through coordination and cooperation with various government and private bodies and institutions, such as Ministry of Works, Municipal Affairs, Urban Planning and the Electricity and Water Authority to provide upgraded services to the industrial investor.

More parking spaceThe Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Tourism said that it would take necessary measures to ensure the quality of the main roads serving the industrial zones as well as

the current infrastructure in the Kingdom with the active cooperation of other service providers.

In the first stage, roads will be re-planned in the eight industrial zones to create proper parking areas for cars and trucks, which will be followed by projects to strengthen electricity and water services in the next phase by 2018.

Water network The Ministry said it is currently undertaking several projects, including but not limited to the extension of the water network in the south-western part of the South Alba

industrial area, in coordination with the Electricity and Water Authority. Approximately 50 industrial plots are expected to benefit from the project. According to the latest statistics, 96pc of industrial tenants benefit from electricity and water services.

Sewage treatment In the South Alba Industrial Area, works are progressing fast to increase the capacity of sewage treatment plant from 816 cubic meters per day to 2,500 cubic meters per day. The plant, designed to allow an overall capacity increase of up to 4000 cubic

meters per day, is expecting completion in 2018. The project will be handed over to the Ministry of Works in 2020.

Investment ParkThe initial phase of Bahrain International Investment Park is expected to finish by the beginning of 2018. The project includes reclaiming 630,000 m3 and associated infrastructure works in Salman Industrial City. The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism is currently preparing to host a number of international companies, most notably Mondelez Bahrain Biscuits W.L.L.,

formerly known as Kraft Food Company.

MEED awards The development of the sewage network and the water treatment plant serving the industrial zones of Al-Ma’ameer and North Refinery have been completed.

The project also included paving roads and lighting and replacing some main water lines in the two industrial zones. As a result of its adoption of high-quality, accurate and environmentally friendly technologies, it has won numerous awards in the Middle East, such as the MEED Quality Awards.

140 buildings painted

The future

War and chaosAyad Nasser, the property developer behind the Ouzville project, launched his project 18 months ago, inviting Lebanese and international street art-ists to beautify parts of Beirut -- Ouzai in particular. Around 140 buildings have now been painted, with a handful done by the residents themselves.

It was once a sleepy sea-side village, with long stretches of beach that attracted sunbathers from miles away. But during Lebanon’s 1975-1990 civil war, civilians displaced from elsewhere built slap-dash housing in the area, often without permits, to accommodate their needs.Breaking stereotype

The project’s goal is to “break the stereotype” of Ouzai, which many in Lebanon see as a slum to be avoided. Much of the $140,000 (120,000 euros) Nasser has spent has gone on host-ing people elsewhere in Lebanon and abroad to encourage them to engage with Ouzai’s residents.

“Colour can make everything in life beauti-ful, and this is something that will certainly change everyone’s lives,”

Rania al-Halabi, an amateur artist participating in the project

The project’s future will depend on residents’ willingness to continue the work. Nasser plans to bow out after he launches a crowd-funding campaign later this month to raise $35,000 towards continuing the project.

Various projects

getting a rapid makeover

BUSINESS8 Monday, August 28, 2017

Artists taking part in the “Ouzville” project have painted walls in brilliant blues, reds, yellows and greens, adorning others with enor-mous murals, doodles, and cartoon characters. The project is a breath of fresh air for Ouzai, a rundown and largely informal neigh-

bourhood on the Mediterranean coast south of Beirut.

Bahrain’s industrial landscapeManama

The Industrial Areas Development Directorate

part of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism is, with the support of GCC Funds, in the process of implementing a major project aiming to improve and develop the infrastructure of Salman Industrial City, formerly known as Al-Hidd Industrial Area.

The project, according to Director of Industrial Areas Development Directorate, Khaled Salman Al Qasimi, has commenced and is in the process of carrying out the first stage of the road network development. This will be followed by further road development and infrastructure as well as street lighting projects in 2018. Besides, the capacity of the Hidd Sewage Treatment Plant will be upgraded from 2,325 m3 / day to 6,500 m3 / day with a target completion date of late 2020.

“The focus is on bringing added value projects with good quality jobs to further support the national economy, by providing high-quality facilities and services to industrial investors,” added Al Qasimi.

In this regard, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, represented by the Industrial Areas Development

Directorate, continuously seeks to develop infrastructure in industrial areas through coordination and cooperation with various government and private bodies and institutions, such as Ministry of Works, Municipal Affairs, Urban Planning and the Electricity and Water Authority to provide upgraded services to the industrial investor.

More parking spaceThe Ministry of Industry, Commerce & Tourism said that it would take necessary measures to ensure the quality of the main roads serving the industrial zones as well as

the current infrastructure in the Kingdom with the active cooperation of other service providers.

In the first stage, roads will be re-planned in the eight industrial zones to create proper parking areas for cars and trucks, which will be followed by projects to strengthen electricity and water services in the next phase by 2018.

Water network The Ministry said it is currently undertaking several projects, including but not limited to the extension of the water network in the south-western part of the South Alba

industrial area, in coordination with the Electricity and Water Authority. Approximately 50 industrial plots are expected to benefit from the project. According to the latest statistics, 96pc of industrial tenants benefit from electricity and water services.

Sewage treatment In the South Alba Industrial Area, works are progressing fast to increase the capacity of sewage treatment plant from 816 cubic meters per day to 2,500 cubic meters per day. The plant, designed to allow an overall capacity increase of up to 4000 cubic

meters per day, is expecting completion in 2018. The project will be handed over to the Ministry of Works in 2020.

Investment ParkThe initial phase of Bahrain International Investment Park is expected to finish by the beginning of 2018. The project includes reclaiming 630,000 m3 and associated infrastructure works in Salman Industrial City. The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism is currently preparing to host a number of international companies, most notably Mondelez Bahrain Biscuits W.L.L.,

formerly known as Kraft Food Company.

MEED awards The development of the sewage network and the water treatment plant serving the industrial zones of Al-Ma’ameer and North Refinery have been completed.

The project also included paving roads and lighting and replacing some main water lines in the two industrial zones. As a result of its adoption of high-quality, accurate and environmentally friendly technologies, it has won numerous awards in the Middle East, such as the MEED Quality Awards.

140 buildings painted

The future

War and chaosAyad Nasser, the property developer behind the Ouzville project, launched his project 18 months ago, inviting Lebanese and international street art-ists to beautify parts of Beirut -- Ouzai in particular. Around 140 buildings have now been painted, with a handful done by the residents themselves.

It was once a sleepy sea-side village, with long stretches of beach that attracted sunbathers from miles away. But during Lebanon’s 1975-1990 civil war, civilians displaced from elsewhere built slap-dash housing in the area, often without permits, to accommodate their needs.Breaking stereotype

The project’s goal is to “break the stereotype” of Ouzai, which many in Lebanon see as a slum to be avoided. Much of the $140,000 (120,000 euros) Nasser has spent has gone on host-ing people elsewhere in Lebanon and abroad to encourage them to engage with Ouzai’s residents.

“Colour can make everything in life beauti-ful, and this is something that will certainly change everyone’s lives,”

Rania al-Halabi, an amateur artist participating in the project

The project’s future will depend on residents’ willingness to continue the work. Nasser plans to bow out after he launches a crowd-funding campaign later this month to raise $35,000 towards continuing the project.

Various projects

BUSINESSMonday, August 28, 2017 9

Dubai

International ratings agency Standard and Poor’s on Sunday affirmed Qatar’s negative outlook and predicted slower

growth for Doha due to GCC boycott. “We expect the ongoing boycott of Qatar will lead to slower economic growth and hamper fiscal and external performance as outflows of external financing are offset by drawing upon government assets,” S&P analysts said.

Paris

French President Emmanuel Macron’s popularity rating slumped a further 14 points in August to hit 40 percent,

following a sharp 10-point drop the previous month. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe also saw his popularity fall, down nine points over the same period, with 47pc now satisfied with his performance, the Ifop poll for the Journal du Dimanche showed.

- Bruno Le Maire,

S&P affirms Qatar’s negative outlook Macron popularity fall to 40%: poll We will unveil a new plan along with our German partners at the next finance ministers’ meeting in Tallinn in mid-September” for taxing technology giants including Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon, Le Maire said in a Facebook Live chat.”

French finance minister

Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the operator and managing body of Bahrain International Airport

(BIA), welcomed the inaugural GCC flight of Wataniya Airways, which made Bahrain the first country in the region it has flown to since its July launch. The flight from Kuwait International Airport was received at BIA by a BAC delegation led by Chief Commercial Officer, Ayman Zainal.

KFH-Bahrain names ‘Libshara’ winnersManama

Kuwait Finance House – Bahrain (KFH-Bahrain)

has announced the winners of its latest promotional campaign, ‘Libshara’ Savings Investment Account.

The winners were named during a raffle draw held on 7th August 2017 at the bank’s headquarters in the Bahrain World Trade Centre.

The raffle draw was held under the supervision of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism and in the presence of Subah AlZayani the Senior Manager and Head of Business Development of Retail Banking Group and several officials from KFH-Bahrain.

Hisham Radhi was declared as the grand prize winner of USD50,000, while Mustafa Mohammed Ahmed and Hashim Ahmed AlMualla each won a cash prize of USD10,000. An additional 82 winners were also announced receiving other cash prizes.

“On behalf of KFH-Bahrain, I would like to congratulate the lucky winners of our ‘Libshara’ campaign and we wish our

clients the best of luck in the upcoming draw to be held in August 2017. The next draw will include a grand prize of an apartment located in

Marassi Al Bahrain,” said the Executive Manager and Head of Retail Banking Group at KFH-Bahrain, Khalid Rafea.

UAE ruler issues decree approving VATDubai

The ruler of the United Arab Emirates has issued

a decree that sets the stage for value-added taxes to start being collected in the country beginning in January.

The state-run WAM news agency carried a statement Sunday on the decree issued

by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s president and the ruler of oil-rich Abu Dhabi.

WAM said the 5-percent tax “is to be imposed on the import and supply of goods and services at each stage of production and distribution, including what is deemed to be

a supply.”All six members of the Gulf

Cooperation Council have agreed to begin collecting so-called VAT taxes, though others may begin later than January. The GCC includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. (The Washington Post/AP)

“This inaugural flight is the begin-ning of what we hope will be a long and fruitful rela-tionship between Wataniya Airways and BAC, which will, at the same time, enhance tourism and trade between our two countries,”

Bahrain is the first GCC coun-try that Wataniya Airways has touched down in since our launch. The other four destina-tions we currently fly to are Najaf, Baku, Tbilisi and Sarajevo, and we have plans to launch further services in the future.”

- Ayman Zainal, BAC, Chief

Commercial Officer

- Riyad Al Saeed, Wataniya Airways Vice Chairman

Khalid Rafea with Hisham Radhi, the winner of the grand prize of USD50,000

Khalid Rafea hands over one of the winners his award

BUSINESS Monday, August 28, 201710

COUNTRY/CURRENCIES SELLBUY

Rates are for indication purpose only. For firm rates or for currencies not listed above please call Bahrain Financing Company. Telephone: 17228888, Website: www.bfc.com.bh

COUNTRY 1 US DLR 1 UK STG 1 SFR 100 YEN

BAHRAIN 0.3770 0.5738 0.3903 0.3463

KUWAIT 0.2855 31.0795 0.2955 0.2623

OMAN 0.3849 0.3718 0.3984 0.3536

QATAR 3.6420 3.5182 3.7702 3.3456

UAE 3.6730 3.5481 3.8023 3.3741

SAUDI 3.7500 3.6225 3.8820 3.4448

AUSTRALIA 0.3059 0.3023BANGLADESH 0.00478 0.00467CANADA 0.3068 0.3025DENMARK 0.0629 EGYPT 0.0234 0.0217EURO 0.4536 0.4494HONGKONG 0.04968 0.04928INDIA 0.00595 0.00592INDONESIA 0.00003054 0.00002890IRAN TUMAN 0.000323 IRAQI DINAR 0.000304 JAPAN 0.00361 0.003540JORDAN 0.5350 0.5354KOREA 0.00038381 KUWAIT 1.249 1.249MALAYSIA 0.0905 0.0902NEW ZEALAND 0.2778 0.2764NORWAY 0.0499 NEPAL 0.00395 0.00369OMAN 0.98014 0.98262PAKISTAN 0.00371 0.00358PHILIPPINES 0.00761 0.00738QATAR 0.10381 0.10376SAUDI ARABIA 0.10058 0.10066SINGAPORE 0.2812 0.2791SOUTH AFRICA 0.02990 0.02980SRI LANKA 0.00270 0.00247SWEDISH 0.0497 SWITZERLAND 0.4002 0.3954SYRIA 0.001740 0.0017TAIWAN 0.013100 THAILAND 0.011550 0.011550TURKEY 0.1142 UNITED KINGDOM 0.4927 0.4879UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 0.102500 0.102840UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 0.37790 0.37800YUAN 0.056800 0.056800

Dubai

Thin news flow and upcoming Islamic

holidays towards the end of the week kept many long-term equity investors away yesterday, leaving stock markets in the Middle East vulnerable to profit- taking, but Kuwait’s index bucked the trend.

The Riyadh index retreated 0.3 per cent yesterday as some of last week’s best-performing banks fell; National Commercial Bank, which was up 5.4pc last week, lost 1.5pc.

Saudi Arabia Fertilizers Co fell 0.8pc after its board proposed a first-half cash dividend of 0.75 riyal per share, down from 1.5 riyals for the first half of 2016.

But Al Tayyar Travel Group rose 1.9pc in relatively active trade after the company said it was still “carrying on its business dealings” with the

Ministry of Education.In the UAE, Dubai’s index

fell 0.6pc as some shares favoured by speculative investors weakened, including GFH Financial Group, which lost 3.3pc.Abu Dhabi’s index slipped 0.3pc with the main drag coming from property-related shares; heavyweight Aldar Properties fell 1.3pc.

Qatar’s index declined 0.2pc, its third straight session of losses. Shipper Qatar Navigation (Milaha) fell 1.4pc but the largest listed lender, Qatar National Bank, rose 1.3pc, reversing some of last week’s losses.

In Cairo, the index fell 0.1pc in the lowest trading volume since September 2016. Six of the top 10 most valuable shares fell including Commercial International Bank , which lost 0.7pc.

Kuwait’s index rose 0.4pc in healthy volume, supported by

gains in blue chips. Boubyan Petrochemical jumped 3.8pc and Kuwait Finance House rose 1.0pc.

At the end of September, index compiler FTSE will announce its decision on whether to include Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in its secondary

emerging market index. Analysts at Arqaam Capital believe the chances for both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to meet FTSE’s inclusion criteria are high, but a bleak domestic economic outlook has been weighing on Saudi Arabia. (Reuters)

Lowinvestor turnout beforeEid hurts bourses

Jerusalem

Israel has finalised a deal to purchase 17 more F-35

stealth fighters in addition to 33 of the ultra-high-tech jets already ordered, the defence ministry said yesterday.

Israel has already taken delivery of five of the jets, made by US-based Lockheed Martin, beginning in December.

It had previously announced its intent to purchase 17 more planes, bringing the total to 50.

“The F-35 will be a key element in assuring Israel’s defence both along our borders

as well as far from them,” Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said.

The cost of the next batch of 17 F-35s will be less than $100

million each, the ministry said, a significant reduction from the initial 33 planes.

Those were purchased at an average of about $110 million

each. Israel’s first jets are to be operational this year.

The single-pilot jets can carry an array of weapons and travel at a supersonic speed of Mach 1.6, or around 1,200 miles per hour (1,900 kilometres per hour).

The pilot’s helmet, at a cost of about $400,000 each, includes its own operating system, with data that appears on the visor and which is also shared elsewhere. Thermal and night vision as well as 360-degree views are possible with cameras mounted on the plane.

Israel finalises deal for 17 more F-35

Closing BellSAUDI fell 0.3pc to 7,225 points.

DUBAI lost 0.6pc to 3,603 points.

ABU DHABI slipped 0.3pc to 4,480 points.

QATAR declined 0.2pc to 8,934 points.

EGYPT fell 0.1pc to 12,913 points.

KUWAIT rose 0.4pc at 6,914 points.

BAHRAIN was flat at 1,302 points.

OMAN rose 0.3pc to 4,963 points.

Representative picture

Kuwaiti traders follow stock market activity as they sit in the main hall at the Kuwait Stock Exchange (Boursa) headquar-ters in Kuwait City


Forty years on,Miami

Are we alone? Forty years ago, NASA

rocket scientists sought to answer this question by launching the Voyager spacecraft, twin unmanned spaceships that would travel further than any human-made object in history.

They are still traveling.When Voyager 1 and 2

launched about two weeks apart in 1977 from Cape Canaveral, Florida, scientists knew little about the outer planets in our solar system, and could hardly imagine the scope of their upcoming space odyssey.

“None of us knew, when we launched 40 years ago, that anything would still be working, and continuing on this pioneering journey,” said Voyager project scientist Ed Stone.

Voyager’s main mission was to explore other planets including Jupiter, Uranus and Neptune, but it also carried the story of humanity into deep space.

On board each Voyager is a golden record -- and record player -- that is built to last one billion years or more and contains key information about humanity and life on planet Earth, in case of an alien encounter.

The sounds include the calls of humpback whales, the Chuck Berry song “Johnny B. Goode,” Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, a Japanese shakuhachi (a type of flute), a Pygmy girls’ initiation song, and greetings in 55 languages.

Late American astronomer Carl Sagan, one of the lead scientists involved with the project, also asked his son, Nick, who is now 46, to record his voice on it.

“Hello, from the children of planet Earth,” says the young American boy.

A

total of 115 images are encoded in analog form, including the Great Wall of China, telescopes, sunsets, elephants, Jane Goodall with chimps, an airport, a train, a breastfeeding mother, dolphins and images of the human sex organs.

Exploring other worldsVoyager 2 launched first, on August 20, 1977, followed by Voyager 1 on September 5 on a faster, shorter trajectory that would eventually take it into the lead.

The timing of the mission took advantage of a rare planetary alignment that only happens every 175 years, along with “gravity-assist” boosts from passing by planets that minimized the fuel needed.

But Voyager faced many challenges from the start, from tight budgets to the limits of modern technology in the 1970s.

One project scientist famously recalled wrapping Voyager’s cables in aluminum foil -- the store-bought kind for kitchen use -- to protect the spacecraft from frying in heavy radiation.

Then-president Richard Nixon wanted to contain the mission to a two-p l a n e t

flyby and a five-year life, but scientists building Voyager planned for a longer mission just in case.

The cosmic duo went on to unveil planetary features unlike anything ever seen, including details about the surface of Jupiter with its raging storm the size of two Earths, known as the Great Red Spot.

“These were, at that point, better pictures than any ground-based telescopes could provide,” said Alan Cummings, a senior research scientist at Caltech who worked on the project beginning in 1973.

The Voyager mission also discovered the first active volcanoes beyond Earth on Jupiter’s moon Io, and signs of a subsurface ocean on Jupiter’s moon Europa.

‘Cherish that blue dot’Astronomy textbooks were rewritten on a wide scale, thanks to Voyager, which zoomed past Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune and Uranus and “revolutionized the science of planetary astronomy,” NASA said in an

online remembrance of the famed mission.

When Voyager had no more planets to be encountered on its trajectory, Carl Sagan pressed to have its cameras turn back toward Earth for a final snap of the planet that sent it.From four billion miles (6.4 billion kilometers) away, the images were taken on Valentine’s Day, 1990.

The Earth appeared as tiny as a speck of dust in a sunbeam, less than a single pixel in the vastness of space.

“I think this perspective underscores our responsibility to preserve and cherish that blue dot, the only home we have,” Sagan told a press conference at the time.

Where are they now?Voyager 1 has traveled father than any human-made spacecraft, and made it to interstellar space, about 13 billion miles away from Earth, in August 2012.

Voyager 2 is on its way there too, and is the only spacecraft to have flown by all four outer planets in our solar system.

The plutonium-powered spaceships will continue until they finally run out of fuel, and will then orbit in the center of the Milky Way galaxy.

Cummings said the cameras stopped working a long time ago, but about five instruments still collect data.

Scientists still hear from the Voyager spacecraft daily, and expect to get data for about another decade.

“It is still discovering new things because it is going where nothing has been before,” said

Stone. (AFP)

This archival photo shows engineers working on NASA’s Voyager 2 spacecraft

Titan 3E/Centaur launches Voyager 1

Monday, August 28, 201712

His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday received a written message from the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, General HH Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan pertaining to the deep-rooted fraternal relations binding the two countries and their peoples. HRH Premier was also invited by the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince to attend the Formula 1 Grand Prix race to be hosted by Abu Dhabi later this year.

Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa received Chairman of the Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission, Chancellor Nawaf Abdullah Abdulaziz Hamza yesterday.The Deputy Premier congratulated Chancellor Hamza on the occasion of the issuance of Royal Decree 39/2017 of appointing him as chairman of the Commission.

President of Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, Shaikha Mai bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa yesterday received Bah-raini writer and researcher Abdullah Al-Thawadi. He presented Shaikh Mai his book titled: Personalities and places live on in the memory of the homeland.

Bahrain Red Crescent Society (BRCS) celebrated the World Humanitarian Day 2017 urging global leaders to exert further efforts to protect civilians in the conflict regions. A detailed presentation was given of the principles of humanitarian work and BRCS efforts in the same area.

Rotary Club of Sulmani-ya held its regular meeting on 23 August 2017 at the Golden Tulip Ho-tel. Guest S p e a k e r Moyez Kas-sam spoke a b o u t “Conscious Capitalism”. Fine master was Osama Muein.

President Pakistan People’s Party Bahrain Choudhry Ghulam Nabhi marked the Independence Day of Pakistan with a cake cutting cer-emony. Members of the party were present at the event.

Southern Governor His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa visited a number of Majlises in West Riffa. The visits followed the directives of the wise leadership to hear people’s needs and follow-up the development projects that meet their aspira-tions

Bahrain was hailed for its exceptional hosting of the 2017 FIVB Boys’ U19 World Champion-ship. This was declared by the tournament’s Control Committee President Ramon Su-zara. He presented the official Report for the competition to Bahrain Volleyball Association (BVA) Vice-President and Organising Com-mittee Director Gener-al Jehad Khalfan, which is to be sent to the Fed-eration Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB).


Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa received Chairman of the Legislation and Legal Opinion Commission, Chancellor Nawaf Abdullah Abdulaziz Hamza yesterday.The Deputy Premier congratulated Chancellor Hamza on the occasion of the issuance of Royal Decree 39/2017 of appointing him as chairman of the Commission.

Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Dr. Abdulhussain Mirza received researcher Munther Faisal Mohammed, who has brought out a study on implementing the UAE’s economic vision in the field of renewable energy, yesterday. The minister praised Bahrain’s and the UAE’s achievements in the field and the importance of the research results.

Southern Governor, HH Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa yesterday visited Al-Fatah Secondary Boys’ School in the presence of Education Minister, Dr. Majid bin Ali Al Nuaimi. The governor was informed about the Education Ministry’s preparations for the new academic year, 2017-2018, as well as about the educa-tional services to be provided for the Southern Governorate’s students.

Assistant Foreign Minister Abdulla bin Faisal bin Jabur Al Doseri yesterday chaired the 20th meeting of the High Human Rights Coordination Committee at the ministry’s court which was attended by representatives of government ministries and relevant official institutions. He affirmed that respect of human rights and dignity is a consistent strategic approach in the ongoing reform process of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Bahrain Red Crescent Society (BRCS) celebrated the World Humanitarian Day 2017 urging global leaders to exert further efforts to protect civilians in the conflict regions. A detailed presentation was given of the principles of humanitarian work and BRCS efforts in the same area.

BFC organised a free health check-up camp in their Hamad Town branch on 26th of August 2017. Over 200 people who walked into the branch from 9am to 1pm availed the free check-up. This initiative will be extended to other BFC branches in the coming days.

Southern Governor His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa visited a number of Majlises in West Riffa. The visits followed the directives of the wise leadership to hear people’s needs and follow-up the development projects that meet their aspira-tions

Bahrain was hailed for its exceptional hosting of the 2017 FIVB Boys’ U19 World Champion-ship. This was declared by the tournament’s Control Committee President Ramon Su-zara. He presented the official Report for the competition to Bahrain Volleyball Association (BVA) Vice-President and Organising Com-mittee Director Gener-al Jehad Khalfan, which is to be sent to the Fed-eration Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB).

‘The Basketball Diaries’ actor James Madio has come on board Raymond De Felitta’s indie film ‘Stano’.

The 41-year-old actor has joined Joe Manganiello, who plays Bobby Stano in the film.

The story follows Stano who returns to the Bronx after serving 17 years in prison for a violent mistake he made as a kid that ultimately robbed him of a professional baseball career.

Madio stars as Joey, Stano’s longtime friend and fish market owner who gives ‘Stano’ a job after his release.

Manganiello, Nick Manganiello, Bill Chartoff, Lynn Hendee and Eric Fischer are producing the project. (TOI)

London

Actress Emilia Clarke and director Alan Taylor were both “burned” by the process of the film “Terminator Genisys”

The “Game of Thrones” actress starred in the 2015 film, directed by Taylor and the latter says that the experience was “rough” and not something they would like to repeat, reports newsweek.com.

“That was a rough one. It was tough, it was tough on Clarke and me. I think we came away feeling a little bit burned by the process. It was hard for her in ways that I didn’t have to experience, because it was her face up on the screen and facing the criticism we had to face. I’m not surprised she’s more content to carry on with her other fantastic projects than re-enter that world,” Taylor said.

And he says that even if a sequel was suggested, neither of them would be back. (IANS)

Las Vegas

Singer-actress Demi Lovato sang the national anthem for a packed house at the Floyd Mayweather-

Conor McGregor fight at the Las Vegas T-Mobile Arena in Nevada.

For the show-stopping number, the singer opted for a plunging white

ensemble, fitted with a golden belt to sing ahead of the “fight of the

century” on Saturday night, reports eonline.com.

Celebrities like Vanessa Hudgens, Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy Osbourne, Mike Tyson, Nick Jonas and Orlando Bloom had turned up for the fight night.

Before taking to the ring, the singer told MTV that she was nervous about singing the “Star-Spangled Banner” before the big fight. (IANS)

Kevin Hart‏ @KevinHart4real

Getting and staying healthy doesn’t have to be

difficult; keep it simple and fun. That’s why my…


English Singer-songwriter Adele stopped reading books at the age of six and concentrated on singing. ‘ Matilda’ by Roald Dahl was the last book she remembers reading! (thefactsite)

Clarke burned by ‘Terminator Genisys’

Actor-musician Jared Leto said he is proud to star as The Joker in the DC Extended Universe.

The 45-year-old actor starred as Batman’s main nemesis The Joker in super-villain blockbuster ‘Suicide Squad’ and now he is set to

reprise the role in a standalone movie.“Everything’s great in that world, and I’m really proud to be a

part of it,” Leto said.Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, who wrote and helmed

2011’s ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love’ - and also worked as directors and executive producers on NBC’s hit drama ‘This Is Us’ - are reportedly in final negotiations to helm the as-yet untitled DCEU movie.

Warner Bros. and DC Entertainment were believed to be in the early stages of putting the ‘Batman’ spin-off together. (TOI)


American singer Selena Gomez in a Coach pink unicorn sweater, grey trousers, a red Coach handbag, black patent leather pumps, and yellow-tinted sunglasses

(harpersbazaar.com)August 28, 1986

Armie Hammer

Actor known for his roles in the films The Social Network and J. Edgar. He also played the titular character in The Lone Ranger and portrayed Prince Andrew Alcot in the 2012 film, Mirror Mirror.

Actress Gal Gadot shared a funny meme to wish ‘happy birthday’ to her ‘Wonder Woman’ co-star

Chris Pine.The meme featuring Gadot and

Pine shows them giggling during an interview.

Along with the video, Gadot wrote, “Happy Happy Birthday to my darling friend #chrispine. May you always shine bright and be such the special funny person you are. Wishing you all the best this world has to offer. Health, happiness and lots of giggles. Xo.”

Gadot’s Diana Princess will be lighting up the screen once in Zack Snyder’s ‘Justice League’, due out November 17. (TOI)

16 Monday, August 28, 2017COOL ZONE

S OU UKD

CROSSWORDYESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

Your star today

Across Down

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

How to play: Place a number in the empty boxes in such a way that each row across, each column down and each 9-box square contains all of the numbers from one to nine.

(Mar 21st - Apr 20th)

(Apr 21st - May 21st)

(May 22nd - Jun 21st)

(June 22nd - July 23rd)

(July 24th - Aug 23rd)

(Aug 24th - Sep 23rd)

(Sep 24th - Oct 23rd)

(Oct 24th - Nov 22nd)

(Nov 23rd - Dec 21st)

(Dec 22nd- Jan 20th)

(Jan 21st - Feb 19th)

(Feb 20th - Mar 20th)

If you’ve been feeling less like yourself lately, a surge of inner power could push you over the top and make you feel strong and healthy again. You could decide to finish the unfinished tasks around you today. You might get most of them done by day’s end. Don’t forget to enjoy yourself, however.

A surge of passion could dominate your day unless you find an outlet for it. An intimate evening with a lover would be a good idea. Creative passion is also strong, and you could be hit with sudden inspiration, perhaps influenced by distant places. Don’t be afraid to take time out from your mundane chores to pursue this inspiration.

A romantic evening at home with your partner could bring the two of you closer. Your emotions are intense right now, so you need to use your intuition to judge exactly how much of your feelings you should reveal. An intellectual passion could also come your way. You might discover a new field of interest and you’ll want to bury yourself at home studying it for hours.Information received from far away could excite your passion to learn more about a subject. You might be inspired to use your new knowledge in a project that includes a partner. Your mind is extremely insightful at this time, so if you face decisions, this is the day to follow your heart. Don’t be surprised if you find your telepathic abilities expanded as well!

Money matters are likely to be advanced today through your intuition and inner power. You may get a hunch that your idea for bringing in some extra money just might work. At least look into it. Don’t let anyone talk you out of it until you know the facts. You might also rediscover a neglected talent that you could find quite useful at this time.

A surge of inner power could have you feeling like you can move mountains. If you’ve been contemplating a course of action that others believe impossible, this is the time to get it going. Career matters, romance, and creative projects could all be advanced considerably by careful effort on your part. Give it some thought and write down your ideas.

Memories from your past could resurface. You might wonder why you’re suddenly thinking about them, but they probably represent a release of old emotional hang-ups that have been holding you back. By midafternoon you should feel more focused, determined, and ready to take on just about anything. This is definitely a great day to start new projects or complete old ones.Today represents a beginning in many ways. A friend from the past could reappear in your life, and bring up memories both pleasant and disconcerting. Don’t worry too much about it. This probably represents a much-needed release. You might also become involved with a group that embodies goals about which you’re passionate.

You should be feeling especially passionate at this, especially regarding partnerships. Romantic partnerships definitely call for an evening together! Professional and creative partnerships call for a new project that you believe in strongly. Look to events in other states or foreign countries for inspiration. Something begun in places far away could capture your imagination.

Emotions could be running high today. Someone in your entourage may have a problem with an authority figure, and political issues could come up. You may feel powerful right now and tempted to throw your hat into the ring. However, it’s best to stay out of anything political and channel that power and passion into your own project.

Heightened mental powers might have you spending a lot of time reading or doing research of some kind. Your curiosity is especially high right now. You might even consider advancing your education in some way, especially since new interests have been stimulating you for some time. New friends in fascinating fields might have started you thinking. This is a good time to look into this.

Your intuition is increased today to the point where you feel like a mind reader, like you could deduce the thoughts and motives of people you’ve never met before. Reading about news events might bring sudden insights as to how they’re going to turn out. You could decide to put this ability to work advancing your financial condition.

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Tal Afar residents who fled are back to battle ISTal Afar

Iraqi Turkmen fighter Abbas Yussef is all smiles,

clutching his Kalashnikov near the front lines in Tel Afar after his unit retook his home neighbourhood from Islamic State group jihadists.

“I can’t describe my joy when I saw my house again,” Yussef says.

“I can’t describe how it felt to take it back, a gun in my hand.”

Three years ago, IS seized nearly one third of Iraq, including Tal Afar, in a sweeping offensive that forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes.

Yussef was among them, but quickly, along with thousands

of others, he responded to a call by Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, the highest Shiite authority in Iraq, to take up arms against the jihadists.

Soon afterwards he enrolled in the paramilitary Hashed al-Shaabi, an umbrella organisation which is dominated by Iran-backed Shiite militias but which also includes Shiite Turkmen.

The Hashed took part in the offensive to retake Iraq’s second city Mosul, which was liberated in July after a gruelling nine-month onslaught, alongside US-backed Iraqi military, police and counter-terrorism forces.

Now the paramilitary group

has been battling to recapture Tal Afar, where IS has been driven out of all 29 districts in the northern city a mere week into an assault by Iraqi forces.

Families fled southWith Iraqi forces poised to declare victory over IS, Hashed fighters like Yussef recall how three years ago they were driven from their homes by advancing jihadists.

“I had to leave with my family for Diwaniya” province south of Baghdad, “leaving behind the house I had spent a lifetime building,” Yussef tells AFP, wiping dust and sweat from his face.

The former Iraq army officer now in his 40s was battling IS holdouts in the western Tal Afar neighbourhood of Al-Kifah when he saw his house -- and that brought a smile to his face.

Akram Kambris was also driven out by IS from Al-Kifah.

Sitting on a rock, the Hashed fighter points to an out-patient clinic.

“I was posted there when I was in the local police,” he says before pointing to another rose-coloured red-brick building. “That’s my

sister’s house.”Kambris recalls that three

years ago he and his “entire family” fled south when the jihadists swept into Tal Afar.

Now, he says, all of Tal Afar’s residents are involved in the offensive to rout IS from the city. “The younger ones fight and the older ones organise (food) convoys” for the militiamen.

‘Masters of the land’Most of the city’s 200,000-strong population -- overwhelmingly Shiite Turkmen whose beliefs are considered heretical by the

Sunni jihadists of IS -- fled Tal Afar after IS seized it.

Some members of the city’s Sunni minority joined the jihadists and went on to form a contingent with a particularly brutal reputation.

According to Akram, “just a few families linked to IS” have stayed on in Tal Afar.

Yussef says that “most of the IS chiefs in Tal Afar” hail from prominent families.

According to him, “there are Kurds among IS and their leader is Abu Alaa al-Talafari”, who was close to the leader of the jihadist group, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

“Actually most of the IS emirs are originally from Tal Afar. Foreign and Turkish IS members joined later,” says Yussef.

Another Hashed militiaman, Abu Zeinab, brands IS fighters in Tal Afar as “cowards”.

“They are not fighting. We entered one house yesterday and found a stockpile of weapons,” he says.

“They could have used them and held out for another two weeks, but they didn’t. They can’t resist us, because here we are the masters of the land.” (AFP)

Indian city barricaded as ‘guru’ awaits sentencingSirsa

Supporters of an Indian guru ended a tense standoff

with soldiers yesterday after the “godman” was convicted of rape, but authorities are bracing for more trouble on the eve of his sentencing after rioting by devotees left 36 dead.

Thousands of followers of Ram Rahim Singh had congregated in the spiritual headquarters of his sect in the northern state of Haryana over the weekend and refused to leave, despite calls from

police and troops for them to disperse.

Singh’s loyalists had gone on a rampage in many other parts of the state after the court decision Friday.

On Sunday, followers began trickling out from the compound in the town of Sirsa one by one under army guard.

Hundreds of soldiers and riot police had blocked approaches to the premises spread over 1,000 acres (404 hectares) and were urging those holed up inside to surrender peacefully.

A curfew imposed in Sirsa,

where soldiers patrolled empty streets, was briefly lifted Sunday morning to allow Singh’s followers to leave the headquarters as spiritual anthems blared from megaphones.

Indian authorities have been on high alert since rioting and arson broke out minutes after Singh -- who has starred in films and claims to have 50 million followers -- was found guilty of raping two of his devotees.

Police said at least 36 people were killed as tens of

thousands of followers took to the streets, attacking television vans and setting fire to dozens of vehicles.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Sunday it was “natural to be worried” as the violence even briefly reached the capital New Delhi.

“Violence is not acceptable in the nation, in any form,” Modi said in his monthly radio address.

“Those who take law in their hands or take to violence will not be spared, whoever they are.”

An Iraqi forces’ fighter waves a national flag from above an armoured vehicle

Fighters of Hashed Al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilization units) flash the victory gesture as they advance through a street in the town of Tal Afar,

Members of Iraq’s Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) patrol a road in Tal Afar’s Qalea central district

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Vienna

Five people were killed and a sixth seriously

injured after a climbing accident Sunday morning in the Austrian Alps, rescue services said.

The cause of the accident, which occurred below the Mannlkarscharte pass near Zell-am-See, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) south of the central city of Salzburg, has not yet been determined.

“We think a rope may

have come loose,” said Anton Voithofer, head of the Red Cross rescue team.

Five helicopters were sent to the scene, and the injured climber was transported to a hospital in Schwarzach.

The victims have not yet been identified.

It was the deadliest climbing accident so far this season in the Austrian Alps, where several dozen mountaineering deaths are reported each summer.

Geneva

A young Japanese pianist has been awarded the

prestigious Clara Haskil Prize, organisers said yesterday.

Mao Fujita, 18, will receive 25,000 Swiss francs (22,000 euros, $26,000) after beating Hong Kong-born Aristo Sham and Italian Alberto Ferro to win the coveted award.

“With him, one forgets the competition and gives in

only to music and grace,” a statement on the award’s website said.

Fujita, who began playing when he was three years old, has already won a number of international awards for his performances.

The Clara Haskil Prize, named after the pioneering Romanian pianist, is competed for every two years, but no one managed to win the prize during the last competition in 2015.

I don’t believe anyone doubts the American peo-ple’s values or the com-mitment of the American government or the gov-ernment’s agencies to advancing those values and defending those values.”

Reporter killed covering S. Sudan clashes

The bodies of dozens of female models were turned into living canvases at a festival in Seoul this weekend.

An American journalist has been killed while covering clashes between govern-ment and rebel forces in res-tive South Sudan.

Bangladesh sends back 90 Rohingya despite violence

Boxing and MMA are cousins, decidedly different sports but emanating from the same bloodlines. However, many say that MMA is capturing the younger fans at a vastly faster rate than boxing. Do you support the view?

Yes No Cant Say

Five dead after climbing accident in Austrian Alps

Japanese prodigy wins prestigious piano prize

Rex Tillerson,US Secretary of State

Naked models become living art at S. Korea festival

Cox’s Bazar

Bangladesh has detained and forcibly returned

90 Rohingya migrants to Myanmar, police said Sunday, just hours after Myanmarese troops on the other side of the border had opened fire on people fleeing the country.

Police intercepted a group of 70 Rohingya late Saturday after they crossed the “zero line” border zone, where Myanmar soldiers earlier fired mortars and machine guns at villagers making the dangerous dash from the

northern state of Rakhine into Bangladesh.

The villagers were caught roughly four kilometres inside Bangladeshi territory en route to a refugee camp in Kutupalong, where thousands of Rohingya already live in squalid conditions, said local police chief Abul Khaer.

Police said some of those detained had entered Bangladesh via the Ghumdhum border area -- where the Myanmar forces unleashed the barrage of fire just hours earlier.

In Brazil’s Rio state, 2017 cop death toll hits 100A police officer killed yester-day in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro state was the 100th slain there so far this year -- part of a grim surge in violent crime in the region.

Thailand’s junta has come under fire from conserva-tive allies following ousted prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s escape .

Thai junta under fire over Yingluck escape

A Border Guard Bangladesh personnel stands guard next to fleeing Rohingya refugee

Second man arrested after Buckingham sword attack

New York

Activists paraded shirtless through the streets of New

York on Saturday, flashing their chests to celebrate the 10th annual GoTopless Day Parade.

Walking to the beat of drums in a carnival-style atmosphere, dozens of men and women embarked on one-mile (1.6-kilometer) march from Columbus Circle to Bryant Park for the event, which this year falls on Women’s Equality Day.

Participants of all shapes and sizes held up placards

proclaiming “Equal Topless Rights For All” and “War Is Obscene Not My N*****, Meditate 4 Peace Topless.”

“I wouldn’t miss this for the world,” said Rebecca Barwick, 35, who traveled up from Virginia and works in the federal government.

“It’s important to send a message. These are our bodies. They should not be policed any other way than men’s. Men walk around like this all the time, so why is it such a big deal?”

Many inked “Go Topless” across their chests and wore

hair bands with ****** popping up from the scalp on springs. One woman wore a blue Wonder Woman cape, and a couple of men wore bras.

Heavily out-numbered by spectators, the march was organised by US-based rights group GoTopless, which has spent 10 years campaigning for women to be able to go shirtless.

It is already legal for women to bare their breasts in public in New York, America’s fourth most populous state. Parallel events were scheduled in other US cities. (AFP)

Topless activists paradethrough New York streets

London

British police investigating Friday’s sword attack

outside Buckingham Palace in London arrested a second man yesterday, as authorities in Belgium, Finland and Spain probed their own terror attacks.

“The man was arrested on suspicion of being involved in the commission, preparation or instigation of terrorism at 10:15hrs (0915 GMT) today and he has been taken into custody,” a police statement said.

It came hours after Islamic State jihadists claimed Friday’s knife attack on patrolling soldiers in Brussels and as authorities in Spain revealed

the death toll from last week’s twin attacks in Barcelona had risen to 16.

British police said they had arrested a 30-year-old man at an address in West London and were searching a property as part of the inquiry.

A warrant for the extended detention of the 26-year-old man involved in Friday’s incident has also been granted, the statement said.

The suspect -- who was arrested under the Terrorism Act -- had reached for a four-foot sword upon being challenged by unarmed police officers after deliberately driving at them outside the world-famous landmark.

Police said the man, who

comes from Luton some 30 miles (50 km) north of London, had repeatedly shouted “Allahu akbar” (God is greatest) and was incapacitated with CS gas.

In an earlier statement, they said searches were ongoing in the Luton area and that they believed it was a lone-wolf attack.

In Britain, 35 people have been killed in three jihadist attacks in London and Manchester since March.

The assault in London came just two hours after a knifeman attacked patrolling soldiers in Brussels in what authorities said was an “attempted terrorist murder”.

Police officers stand guard at a police cordon next to Buckingham Palace

Monday, August 28, 2017 SPORTS20

India clinch ODI seriesPallekele, Sri Lanka

Opener Rohit Sharma’s sublime century combined

with a maiden five-wicket haul by paceman Jasprit Bumrah powered India to a series-clinching win against Sri Lanka in the third one-day international yesterday.

Chasing 218 for victory, Sharma hit a 145-ball 124 not out to steer the visitors home in 45.1 overs, although unruly crowd behaviour delayed their six-wicket win in Pallekele.

Angry home fans threw water bottles onto the field and play stopped as players walked off with India needing eight runs to win.

The visitors rode on an unbeaten 157-run fifth-wicket stand between Sharma and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who made 67, to take a 3-0 lead in the five-match series.

But it was man of the match Bumrah who set up the win for India after his career-best figures of 5-27 restricted Sri Lanka to 217-9 in 50 overs.

“Bumrah’s got 11 wickets in three games, he’s bowled really well, he’s among our top short-format bowlers at the moment,” Kohli said in praise of the 23-year-old.

“He hits the right areas, bowls at pace, and in the death overs he’s like a fish in water,” Kohli added.

Sri Lankan fast bowlers hurt India’s reply with two early strikes including skipper Virat Kohli for one, leaving the visitors at 19-2.

Sharma and Lokesh Rahul, who made 17, then tried to steady the

chase with their 42-run partnership before spinner Akila Dananjaya turned on the heat.

Dananjaya got Rahul and Kedar Jadhav for nought in his first two overs.

But Sharma, who made 54 in the team’s previous win, kept his cool amid the madness to register his 12th ODI hundred as he paired with Dhoni to thwart the Sri Lankan bowling attack.

Earlier, Sri Lanka’s Lahiru Thirimanne scored a 105-ball 80

to give the total some respect after the Chamara Kapugedera-led side suffered from regular wicket-fall. (AFP)

BRIEF SCOREIndia 218 for 4 (Rohit 124*, Dhoni 67*, Dananjaya 2-38) beat Sri Lanka 217 for 9 (Thirimanne 80, Bumrah 5-27) by six wickets

FIVB: Bahrain gets top marks for hosting


Bahrain has been given two thumbs up for its exceptional hosting of the 2017

FIVB Boys’ U19 World Championship.This was declared this evening by

the tournament’s Control Committee President Ramon Suzara, who presented Bahrain Volleyball Association (BVA) Vice-President and Organising Committee Director General Jehad Khalfan the Official Report for the competition, which is to be sent to the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB).

Both Suzara and Khalfan signed the document during a meeting with the Press at Shaikh Isa Sports City in Riffa.

The Official Report stated: “Overall, the organiser was excellent.”

It also noted: “In due time, the BVA may be considered to host other FIVB events, even at the top level or elite categories.”

Khalfan expressed his delight with the

positive nature of the report.“When we first bid for this U19

championship, we thought it was an easy one to organise,” he said. “When we got the approval from the FIVB, we realised that it would be a challenge.”

“We were determined to make it a success, so we worked hard and started eight months ahead of the tournament and today, everybody has seen what we have done the last 10 days and they are very happy.”

Bahrain already has its next international competition lined up on the calendar.

The BVA has already been awarded the rights to host the 2018 Asian U20 Championship, which Khalfan says should be held around August.

Khalfan also noted that a bid has already been submitted to host the FIVB U21 World Championship in 2019 – a competition that Bahrain has already hosted twice in the past, first in 1987 and then again in 1997.

Team Bahrain in South Africa to compete African Open


Bahrain’s amateur Mixed Martial Arts team has left for South Africa to

compete in the First African Open Amateur Mixed Martial Arts competition, organised by the International Federation of Mixed Martial Arts starting today and concluding on September 2.

The delegation includes an administrative and nutrition specialist, coach Rinat Oboohamd and six fighters including

Hussein Ayad. This is the third participation by the team this year after previously taking part in the European Open Amateur Championship in the Bulgarian capital Sofia , during which Hussein Ayad won a bronze and in Singapore in June.

Walid Khaled Sayar, Secretary General of the Bahrain Federation of Mixed Martial Arts BMMAF said, “This participation is within the programme of international events to compete in and promote Bahrain in the sport at international level.”

CBA held open trials, registrations


Cricket Bahrain Association (CBA) under patronage of

Bahrain Olympic Committee, has held its open trials and registration for Bahrain Under-19 National Cricket Team for the ICC Asia Western Region Tournament to be held in Kuwait from October 8 to 21.

These trials/practice and fitness sessions began at Alba Club Cricket Academy, Sanad Riffa, under the National Coaches and Selection Panel from August 22 and a total of 55 players registered for the trials and more are expected to join after summer vacations.

The selection is based on ICC/ACC criteria which mandates

players born on or after 1.09.1998 either Bahraini Nationality or born in Bahrain or 7 year or above residency in Bahrain.

Apart from age verification approval will based on medical test T3 bone age verification by ACC, players fitness, performance in school tournament’s and performance shown during the camp and practice matches.

Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma waves his bat to the crowd

Bahrain MMA teamParticipants during the Cricket trials

Officials during the ceremony

Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium

Michael Schumacher’s teenage son Mick

marked the 25th anniversary of his father’s first

FormulaOne victory with an emotional lap of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit yesterday.Just hours ahead of

the Belgian Grand Prix, the 18-year-old, who is

this season competing in the European Formula Three series, drove the Benetton B194 car which carried the seven-time champion to glory in 1994.

The 1992 car, in which Schumacher won his maiden race, was not available for him to use, but the 1994 car was the one in which Michael claimed his first drivers’ championship two years later.

“It was great, it was a pleasure for me,” said Schumacher, representing his family and his father who suffered serious head injuries in a ski accident in the French Alps in December 2013.

“For me to be able to do this, to drive this is emotional, fun and amazing. There is a lot of history with it and I was really happy that I was able to drive it.

“I never saw so many people in one spot in a race weekend -- so that was really entertaining and fun.”

The teenager wore a helmet that was made up of both his and his father’s favourite designs. “It’s a piece of history,” he said. “I learned a lot from him. I always look back at this career and it’s nice to see what he achieved.” (AFP)

Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium

Lewis Hamilton completed his 200th Grand Prix in

victorious style yesterday when he claimed a much-needed win for Mercedes to trim Sebastian Vettel’s championship lead to seven points.

The 32-year-old Briton made the most of his record-equalling 68th pole position to take the lead, but had to survive some concerted attacks from Vettel’s Ferrari

before emerging triumphant for the fifth time this season.

It was the three-time world champion’s third Belgian victory and the 58th of his career, lifting him back into serious contention for the title.

Another victory in next Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix could give him the lead for the first time this year.

Four-time champion Vettel came home second ahead of Australian Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull, Finn Kimi Raikkonen

in the second Ferrari and his compatriot Valtteri Bottas in the second Mercedes.

“It’s been a strong weekend for myself and the team,” said Hamilton. “Sebastian put up a great fight, but this is what I said I came to do here and so I did it.”

Vettel said: “It was good fun, but it was intense. I was waiting for Lewis to make a mistake – and he didn’t – and he was waiting for me – and I didn’t.

In perfect, if humid conditions, with an air temperature of 22 degrees and the track at 23, and in front of an estimated 125,000 crowd including an ‘orange army’ of 80,000, Hamilton pulled away from his record-equalling 68th pole position to lead into La Source and resisted Vettel’s attack at Eau Rouge. Hamilton built up an early head of speed. (AFP)

Monday, August 28, 2017 21SPORTS

Chris Froome storms to victoryBenitachell, Spain

Chris Froome took another huge step

towards a historic Tour de France-Vuelta a Espana double by claiming stage nine of the Vuelta yesterday to extend his race lead.

Froome attacked with 500m to go on the

category-one climb of a 174km stage from Orihuela to Benitachell to win in a time of 4hrs 07mins 13secs from his closest

chal lenger

Esteban Chaves and Canadian Michael Woods.

“That was incredible today,” Froome told Spanish TV station Teledeporte.

“It’s such a good feeling to get to the end of this first block with the red jersey and also a decent gap on the rest of the GC riders.”

Colombian Chaves slips 36 seconds behind Froome in the general classification with Ireland’s Nicolas Roche 1min 05secs back in third. But Froome, aiming to become only the third man to win the Tour and Vuelta in the same year, is beginning to amass a significant advantage over the rest of his general classification rivals.

Vincenzo Nibali was 14 seconds back on the stage to fall 1min 17secs behind Froome in fourth with Fabio Aru a further 16 seconds back in

seventh overall.

And victory on the Cumbre del Sol was extra sweet for Froome having lost out to Tom Dumoulin on the same climb two years ago.

“It was still on my mind this morning,” added Froome.

“Watching the scenes of two years ago in the bus this morning just to really calculate the climb.” (AFP)

Hami marks 200th race with success

Schumacher’s son marks anniversary

Liverpool rout Arsenal 4-0Liverpool

Arsenal’s early-season problems mounted at

Anfield yesterday after they were condemned to a miserable 4-0 defeat by Jurgen Klopp’s rampant Liverpool. Not even the return of Alexis Sanchez could inspire Arsene Wenger’s side as they fell to goals from Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Daniel Sturridge.

Salah’s third goal, after 57 minutes, summed up Liverpool’s mastery of the opposition as Arsenal managed to concede from an attacking corner.

After the ball was headed clear, Hector Bellerin misjudged

the bounce and Salah sprang past him before sprinting over half the length of the field and converting clinically. Substitute Sturridge got in on the act with just his third league goal of 2017, completing the rout with a far-post header from Salah’s cross after yet another unstoppable counter-attack 20 minutes later.

The opening goal had come in the 17th minute after wave after wave of Liverpool attacks.

Finally, on a rapid break, Joe Gomez delivered a superb, hanging right-wing cross and Firmino sprinted in at full speed to head past Petr Cech from six yards. (AFP)

Stage 9 resultsA 174km ride from Orihuela to Cumbre del Sol:1. Chris Froome (GBR/SKY) 174.0 km in 4h 07min 13sec2. Esteban Chaves (COL/ORI) at 0:043. Michael Woods (CAN/CAN) 0:054. Wilco Kelderman (NED/SUN) 0:085. Ilnur Zakarin (RUS/KAT) 0:086. Alberto Contador (ESP/TRE) 0:127. David De la Cruz (ESP/QST) 0:12Selected others: 11. Fabio Aru (ITA/AST) 0:1712. Tejay Van Garderen (USA/BMC) 0:19Overall standings:1. Chris Froome (GBR/Sky) 36hr 33min 16sec2. Esteban Chaves (COL/ORI) at 0:363. Nicolas Roche (IRL/BMC) 1:054. Vincenzo Nibali (ITA/BAH) 1:175. Tejay Van Garderen (USA/BMC) 1:276. David De la Cruz (ESP/QST) 1:30

Winner Mercedes’ British driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium

Mick Schumacher sits inside a Benetton B194 car before \driving demonstration laps

Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino (C) celebrates with teammatesSky’s British cyclist Chris Froome celebrates as he crosses the finish line


Aidan Payne/[email protected]

Manama

Iran under coach Reza Vakili Farjad defeated Russia 3-1

(25-20, 24-23, 21-25, 25-20) to claim its second title and gold

medal as the 2017 FIVB Boys’ U19 World Championship at Shaikh Isa Sports City in Riffa concluded yesterday.

It was tight in the first set with the match tied at 13-13, before the Iranians went 20-17 up and then took the first set.

In the second set, Russia under coach Nozarin Andrey had a early 7-4 lead, but Iran came back strongly to go 12-9 ahead and maintained its lead until Russia went 20-19 ahead, only for a late Iran rally to secure a 2-0 set lead.

The Russians took an early 5-3 lead in the third set and maintained its lead throughout to force a fourth set and thwart a straight set victory for Iran as the former two-time winners in 1999 and 2005 stayed in the match.

Fourth set action saw Russia take a 8-6 lead, then level at 8-8 before Iran go 14-12 ahead, and as the set progressed, both sides were locked at 16-16, 17-17 and 18-18, then the Iranians finished strongly winning seven of the next nine points to clinch the match and title.

Top scoring for Iran were Porya Yali (29 points) and Morteza Sharafi (19) and for Russia it was Maksim Sapozhkov (16) and Pavel Tetyukhin (15).

In the Bronze Medal match, Japan won in straight sets against South Korea 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-18) with the top scorer for Japan being Kento Miyaura (16) and Mahiri Saeki (14) and for South Korea, Donghyeok Im (15) and Sungjin Lim (15).

Meanwhile, hosts Bahrain defeated Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-23) to finish 13th overall in the 20-team tournament.

In the opening set, the Central Americans held a 8-6 lead, but Bahrain pegged backed the deficit and took the lead at 13-12 and finished strongly to go 1-0 up.

Second set action saw the Bahrainis overcome an early deficit and go 14-9 ahead at one stage and maintain its lead for a 2-0 set advantage.

The third set had Puerto Rico ahead at one 12-9, then Bahrain rallied and finished stronger to wrap up a 3-0 straight sets victory.

Top scoring for Bahrain was Hussain Thamer (16) and Mohammed Jassim (10) and for Puerto Rico Pedro Molina (18) and Gabriel Garcia (16).

Bahrain were captained by Saif Yusuf, the libero is Hussain Abdulla and the rest of the squad comprises Sayed Mohammed Al Abbar, Jawher Rashed, Mohammed Jassim, Mohammed Haroon, Hassan Haider, Hussain Thamer, Hassan Mohammed, Mahmood Abdulhussain,

Yousif Saif and Sayed Yousuf Ashoor.

Other scores: Classification (5th-6th):

France (Celestin Cardin, 17, Remi Bassereau, 10) bt Egypt (Abdelrahman Elhossiny Eissa, 10).

(7th-8th): Czech Republic (Marek Sotola, 21, Jan Svoboda, 15) bt Brazil (Victor Alekander Almeida, Cardoso, 25, Joao Cordeiro Franck, 17) 3-2 (25-20, 18-25, 25-20, 20-25, 15-9).

(9th-10th): Italy (Lorenzo Cortesia, 15, Davide Gardini, 12) bt China (Yu Du, 7) 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-20).

(11th-12th): Turkey (Adis Lagumdzija, 20, Batuhan Avci,

15) bt Argentina (Federico Jose Sela, 19, Luciano Vicentin, 11) 3-1 (27-25, 25-20, 19-25, 25-18).

(15th-16th): USA (Joel Schneidmiller, 22) bt Cuba (Lazero Yoelvis Brunet Llanes, 17, Victor Ramon Andreu Flores, 16) 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 26-24).

Final positions: Gold: Iran, Silver: Russia,

Bronze: Japan, 4. South Korea, 5. France, 6. Egypt, 7. Czech Republic, 8. Brazil, 9. Italy, 10. China, 11. Turkey, 12. Argentina, 13. Bahrain, 14. Puerto Rico, 15. USA, 16. Chile, 17. Poland, 18. Mexico, 19. Chile, 20. Tunisia.

Iran clinch Volleyball title

Winners team Iran celebrate

Team Bahrain celebrate

Team Puerto RicoAction between Bahrain vs Puerto Rico


Aidan Payne/[email protected]

Manama

Iran under coach Reza Vakili Farjad defeated Russia 3-1

(25-20, 24-23, 21-25, 25-20) to claim its second title and gold

medal as the 2017 FIVB Boys’ U19 World Championship at Shaikh Isa Sports City in Riffa concluded yesterday.

It was tight in the first set with the match tied at 13-13, before the Iranians went 20-17 up and then took the first set.

In the second set, Russia under coach Nozarin Andrey had a early 7-4 lead, but Iran came back strongly to go 12-9 ahead and maintained its lead until Russia went 20-19 ahead, only for a late Iran rally to secure a 2-0 set lead.

The Russians took an early 5-3 lead in the third set and maintained its lead throughout to force a fourth set and thwart a straight set victory for Iran as the former two-time winners in 1999 and 2005 stayed in the match.

Fourth set action saw Russia take a 8-6 lead, then level at 8-8 before Iran go 14-12 ahead, and as the set progressed, both sides were locked at 16-16, 17-17 and 18-18, then the Iranians finished strongly winning seven of the next nine points to clinch the match and title.

Top scoring for Iran were Porya Yali (29 points) and Morteza Sharafi (19) and for Russia it was Maksim Sapozhkov (16) and Pavel Tetyukhin (15).

In the Bronze Medal match, Japan won in straight sets against South Korea 3-0 (25-22, 25-22, 25-18) with the top scorer for Japan being Kento Miyaura (16) and Mahiri Saeki (14) and for South Korea, Donghyeok Im (15) and Sungjin Lim (15).

Meanwhile, hosts Bahrain defeated Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-20, 25-22, 25-23) to finish 13th overall in the 20-team tournament.

In the opening set, the Central Americans held a 8-6 lead, but Bahrain pegged backed the deficit and took the lead at 13-12 and finished strongly to go 1-0 up.

Second set action saw the Bahrainis overcome an early deficit and go 14-9 ahead at one stage and maintain its lead for a 2-0 set advantage.

The third set had Puerto Rico ahead at one 12-9, then Bahrain rallied and finished stronger to wrap up a 3-0 straight sets victory.

Top scoring for Bahrain was Hussain Thamer (16) and Mohammed Jassim (10) and for Puerto Rico Pedro Molina (18) and Gabriel Garcia (16).

Bahrain were captained by Saif Yusuf, the libero is Hussain Abdulla and the rest of the squad comprises Sayed Mohammed Al Abbar, Jawher Rashed, Mohammed Jassim, Mohammed Haroon, Hassan Haider, Hussain Thamer, Hassan Mohammed, Mahmood Abdulhussain,

Yousif Saif and Sayed Yousuf Ashoor.

Other scores: Classification (5th-6th):

France (Celestin Cardin, 17, Remi Bassereau, 10) bt Egypt (Abdelrahman Elhossiny Eissa, 10).

(7th-8th): Czech Republic (Marek Sotola, 21, Jan Svoboda, 15) bt Brazil (Victor Alekander Almeida, Cardoso, 25, Joao Cordeiro Franck, 17) 3-2 (25-20, 18-25, 25-20, 20-25, 15-9).

(9th-10th): Italy (Lorenzo Cortesia, 15, Davide Gardini, 12) bt China (Yu Du, 7) 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-20).

(11th-12th): Turkey (Adis Lagumdzija, 20, Batuhan Avci,

15) bt Argentina (Federico Jose Sela, 19, Luciano Vicentin, 11) 3-1 (27-25, 25-20, 19-25, 25-18).

(15th-16th): USA (Joel Schneidmiller, 22) bt Cuba (Lazero Yoelvis Brunet Llanes, 17, Victor Ramon Andreu Flores, 16) 3-0 (25-20, 25-19, 26-24).

Final positions: Gold: Iran, Silver: Russia,

Bronze: Japan, 4. South Korea, 5. France, 6. Egypt, 7. Czech Republic, 8. Brazil, 9. Italy, 10. China, 11. Turkey, 12. Argentina, 13. Bahrain, 14. Puerto Rico, 15. USA, 16. Chile, 17. Poland, 18. Mexico, 19. Chile, 20. Tunisia.

Iran clinch Volleyball title

Winners team Iran celebrate

Team Bahrain celebrate

Team Puerto RicoAction between Bahrain vs Puerto Rico

Las Vegas

Conor McGregor placed himself on a potential collision

course with his mixed martial arts paymasters after refusing to rule out further boxing bouts following his defeat to Floyd Mayweather on Saturday.

The charismatic Irishman, a two-time Ultimate Fighting Championship world champion, performed creditably before eventually being stopped by boxing legend Mayweather in the 10th round at the T-Mobile Arena.

McGregor, 29, could pocket as much as $100 million from Saturday’s fight, eclipsing his entire career MMA earnings in a single night’s work.

While McGregor ended up being comfortably beaten by Mayweather, the MMA star -- who had never boxed in a professional bout before Saturday -- said he was open to continuing in the ring.

“I enjoyed the fight, It was a great contest,” McGregor said. “People ask me what’s next, I’m not quite sure. I’ve multiple titles in the UFC to think about.

“I could also continue in the boxing game...I have many options in mixed martial arts. I’m sure there’ll be options in boxing. Right now I’m a free agent.”

Many in the boxing world had

questioned whether McGregor’s bout with Mayweather, which is on track to become the richest fight in history, should even have been sanctioned.

McGregor revealed after the fight he had been stung by the criticism of the boxing establishment.

“There was a lot of disrespect and a lot of disregard for my skill,” he said.

“I was a little bit taken aback by the disrespect and the disregard that was shown. But I always knew that when the fight came around I’d give a good account of myself,” added

McGregor, who was competitive in the early rounds before being dominated by Mayweather.

One obvious boxing bout on the horizon for McGregor could be against sparring partner Paulie Malignaggi.

Malignaggi has spent the build-up goading McGregor publicly, creating a grudge-match narrative that is likely to appeal to fans.

But any plans McGregor has about continuing his flirtation with boxing are likely to be opposed by UFC chief executive Dana White.

White, who was instrumental in helping set up the Mayweather fight, said he would prefer to see McGregor return to the world of cage-fighting -- and stay there.

“I would rather he did not,” White said when asked if he wanted McGregor to continue boxing.

“This is not what he does. He’s a mixed martial artist. He goes in and he fights and he uses all of his weapons. Tonight he goes in and is only able to use his hands. I don’t think he has anything else left to prove. I would rather he fights mixed martial arts.”

White emphasized that McGregor’s bout with Mayweather was a one-off, which had built its own momentum due to the status of the two fighters as the kings of their respective crafts. (AFP)

Monday, August 28, 2017 23SPORTS

McGregor open to boxing again

Irish media praise McGregor’s enduranceDublin

Irish media hailed Dublin’s Conor McGregor for a gritty

display yesterday following his 10th-round loss to Floyd Mayweather in their Las Vegas super-fight.

The pundits focused on the mixed martial arts star’s endurance and bravery in managing to stay upright for 10 rounds with an opponent of Mayweather’s calibre, particularly as it was his first bout in a boxing ring.

“This was, after all the hype and trash talk, a man entering a new sport and taking on the best and while it was a comfortable win for Mayweather, McGregor has been lauded for the effort he put in,” wrote The Irish Independent.

Online sports website Joe also talked up McGregor’s ability to hang in, having been clearly outclassed after the first three rounds.

“There was to be no almighty shock, but McGregor earned plenty of respect (as well as a helluva lot of money) and can walk away from the encounter with his head held high,” it said.

Other crumbs of comfort were to be found in tabloid newspapers, who knew their readership would be firmly backing the former plumber from the wrong side of the tracks who has enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom.

“Conor McGregor landed more punches on Floyd Mayweather than Manny Pacquiao -- in two fewer rounds,” noted the Irish Sunday Mirror. (AFP)

McGregor awed by clinical MayweatherLas Vegas

Conor McGregor saluted Floyd Mayweather’s clinical boxing

masterclass Saturday -- but insisted he felt he could have fought on beyond a 10th round stoppage.

The 29-year-old Irish mixed martial arts star began bravely and won the first three rounds but was ultimately outclassed by the vastly more experienced Mayweather.

Afterwards McGregor, who had never boxed professionally before Saturday’s bout at the T-Mobile Arena, praised Mayweather’s composed demolition job.

“He’s composed, he’s not that fast, he’s not that powerful, but boy is he composed in there,” McGregor said.

“I thought it was close though and I thought it was a bit of an early stoppage. I was just a little fatigued. He was just a lot more composed with his shots.

“I have to give it to him, that’s what 50 pro fights will do for

you.”But McGregor, a world

champion in the brutal world of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, maintained that he should have been allowed to fight on past the 10th.

“I’ve been strangled on live TV and came back,” McGregor said.

“When you’re in here in the squared circle, everything is different. Let the man put me down, that’s fatigue, that’s not damage. (AFP)

Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. (R) and mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor compete

Continued from page 24

Mayweather also said he had felt obliged to

“put on a show” after being accused of contributing to an underwhelming spectacle in his 2015 “Fight of the Century” against Manny Pacquiao.

On that occasion Mayweather was accused of being overly cautious, cagily keeping Pacquiao at arm’s length en route to a comfortable win.

“I could have made it boring. I didn’t want to do that,” Mayweather said. “I felt like I owed the fans a last hurrah. So I went out there and that was the game plan. I wanted to go out with a bang.”

Mayweather insisted that his legacy as one of boxing greats would remain intact following his controversial meeting with McGregor, which had been panned by many in boxing.

“After 21 years, I’ve had some great fights, I had boring fights,” Mayweather said. “But at the end of the day I’ll be remembered as a winner.

“I know how to dissect my opponent, break them down and stick to the game plan.”

Asked if there was any chance he may yet return to the ring, he replied: “You won’t see me getting in the ring no more. So any guy calling me out -- forget it.” (AFP)

I felt obliged to put on a show

Conor McGregor

Highlight from the fight

SPORTS

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McGregor open to boxing againP23

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finished:Mayweather

I’mFloyd Mayweather stops brave Conor McGregor

Las Vegas

Floyd Mayweather insisted he would head into a permanent retirement after sealing his place in boxing history with a 50th

straight win against Conor McGregor on Saturday.The 40-year-old American boxer outclassed McGregor over

10 absorbing rounds at the T-Mobile Arena to defeat Irish mixed martial arts by technical knockout.

The win sees Mayweather, who had come out of a two-year retirement to face McGregor, surpass heavyweight legend Rocky Marciano with a perfect record of 50-0.

Afterward former welterweight king Mayweather insisted he would never be seen in a ring again.

“This was my last fight tonight. For sure,” Mayweather said, praising his beaten opponent. “Tonight was my last fight. Tonight I chose the right dance partner to dance with.

“Conor you are a hell of a champion.”Mayweather also rejected suggestions that his 50th victory --

against an opponent who had never boxed professionally before -- would be destined to have an asterisk against it.

“A win is a win, no matter how you get it,” Mayweather said. “Rocky Marciano is a legend and I look forward to going into the Hall of Fame one day.”

Mayweather meanwhile revealed the fight had followed a tactical plan as he took his time and allowed McGregor to become fatigued before pouncing in the later rounds. “Our game plan was to take our time, go to him, let him shoot his shots early and then take him out down the stretch,” Mayweather said. (Continued on page 23)

Boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. celebrates his 10th round TKO victory

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