Manama, Bahrain: The 3rd Gulf Cooperation Council Women's Games got off  to a rousing start on Sunday evening at the Bahrain Disabled Sports Federation gym in Isa Sports City, Riffa. Five countries - Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain - will compete in eight disciplines during this 10-day gathering. They are basketball, volleyball, table tennis, shooting, bowling, taekwondo, athletics and athletics for the disabled.

The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ebrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and Supreme Council for Women President. Her Royal Highness delegated Supreme Council Vice President Dr Shaikha Maryam bint Hassan Al Khalifa to inaugurate the third edition of the Games.

The ceremony started with speeches by the Games Executive Committee Chairwoman and Bahrain Olympic Committee member Shaikha Hayat bint Abdulaziz Al Khalifa and GCC Women's Sports Organising Committee Chairwoman Shaikha Naima bint Ahmed Al Sabah.

BOC Chief Executive Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, BOC General Secretary Shaikh Ahmed bin Hamad Al Khalifa, International Olympic Committee Vice President Nawal El Moutawakel and other guests were also present at the ceremony. Table tennis will be the first sport on the programme.