bahrainthismonth.com | OCTOBER 2026 SPORTS 65 Bahrain’s Formula 1 Connection Formula 1’s Italian Grand Prix carried extra intrigue for Bahrain, thanks to sovereign wealth fund Mumtalakat’s majority stake in McLaren. Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli stole the headlines with a sensational win from 19th on the grid, becoming the first Italian driver to win at Monza since 1966. McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri still banked valuable points, finishing fourth and fifth respectively. Elsewhere, 2026 marks the first year in more than two decades without a Bahrain Grand Prix at home, after April’s race was cancelled. Malaysia steps in as the replacement host, although Gulf Air retains its title sponsorship. US Open Glory Tennis produced one of its most memorable moments of the year in September, as Alexander Zverev battled past American Ben Shelton in four sets to win the US Open. It is his second Grand Slam title of 2026, following June’s French Open win, and makes him the first German man to lift the US Open trophy since 1989. Elena Rybakina claimed the women’s title a day earlier, defeating Aryna Sabalenka in three tightly fought sets. Together, the two finals delivered a thrilling close to this year’s US Open, the final Grand Slam of the season. Strongman Success in Austria Bahrain’s flag flew high in Europe this September, as Abdullah Almoosa claimed first place at the 2026 European Strongman Championship in Semmering, Austria. Competing under the banner of Bahrain’s Royal Guard, Almoosa’s win marks a proud moment for the Kingdom on the European strength sports stage, adding another gold to what has already been a landmark month for Bahraini athletes across multiple disciplines. Seeing Bahrain’s flag raised at the top of an international podium is the kind of moment that resonates well beyond the sport itself, a reminder of the Kingdom’s growing footprint in strength sports. swimming has finally had its breakthrough moment too, and it could not have come in more dramatic fashion. Europe’s Solheim Cup Triumph Golf fans got their fix of drama too, as Europe reclaimed the Solheim Cup with a nail-biting 15– 13 win over the United States at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands. Charley Hull, Lottie Woad and Carlota Ciganda were the stars of the week, securing decisive points as the destination of the trophy remained uncertain right up until the closing singles matches. It was a fitting way to round off a September packed with sporting drama, from Bahrain’s golden month in Japan to nail-biting finishes on courts, courses and circuits around the world.
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